I WOULD like to add my own experiences to the debate that Jeff Probyn has initiated regarding the effect of leagues on playing membership.
When leagues were first introduced there was genuine enthusiasm among the players as it seemed to indicate a clear route to top tier rugby. The club could gain promotion year on year etc.
The reality soon set in that an individual player’s progress had been blocked. Previously a junior player with ambition could simply rock up at the training ground of a senior club, pay their annual subs and their ability would be enough to climb through the...