Room 101: Jason Forster – former Wales flanker
I live in Newport but work for South Gloucestershire Council and it pains me to have to pay £6.50 just for the privilege of travelling home across the Severn Bridge every night. Over the years I’ve probably paid out thousands of pounds. Surely it should be subsidised? Also, it can’t be good for attracting business in South Wales when Lorries have to fork out £20 a go.
TRP verdict: I’m afraid this is a bridge too far.
2. Council Tax
Another money-related moan of mine is the cost of Council Tax compared to the service – or lack of – you get in return. Every year the Council Tax bill seems to go up over and above the rate of inflation yet we get less frequent bin collections, restricted street lighting, more demands placed on you for recycling, more potholes etc. etc. It’s a shame wages don’t go up in line with Council Tax.
TRP verdict: We’ll give you the benefit of doubt on this one.
3. Training robots
People become professional rugby players to play rugby not to professionally train, but I think some young players fail to grasp this. It seems to be that too many of them are happy to swan around in their club kit saying they play for x, y and z without actually earning the badge on the field. Instead they spend their time training in the gym or doing hospitality duties. You need to learn your trade by experiencing different situations in an actual game, and if dropping down the leagues is the only way to get game time then so be it.
TRP verdict: It’s life, (in the) gym, but not as we know it. You’re in.
