DURING my early 20s I played for an East Midlands club in Level 9. It was a great experience for a young man making his way in a new city with the camaraderie and team ethic building friendships.

One of our annual highlights was the London Tour – a weekend with two games of rugby and Twickenham tickets from the RFU for a Five Nations match.
We now live in a very different rugby world. Many changes have been beneficial including professional rugby for senior players, leagues and increased RFU income. Unfortunately, the move to professional rugby was appropriated by a small group of...