PREMIERSHIP clubs are given the privilege of representing English rugby in Europe, yet some abuse that privilege by fielding weakened sides.
For example, Gloucester were beaten 57-0 in their latest Champions Cup fixture against Leinster. Their starting XV contained just two survivors from their Premiership match against Northampton the previous weekend.
With Premiership clubs treating European competition in such an offhand manner, the RFU should consider entering representative teams like Lancashire and Yorkshire. Results would be no worse that Gloucester’s dismal effort in D...