England coach Steve Borthwick has been putting in the hard yards trying to ensure that Junior Kpoku, the 19 stone, 6ft 8-inch England Under-20 second row commits to England for the next World Cup in 2027.
Kpoku currently plays for Racing 92 and featured in Sale’s comfortable 29-7 win over his club last Friday (Dec 13). Racing 92 are a club famed for spending huge amounts of money on players close to retirement or superstars looking for a quick financial killing; Owen Farrell and Siya Kolisi to name but two. Kolisi has since left without finishing his contract. Farrell has withdrawn from playing for mental and injury issues.
The former England coach Stuart Lancaster, currently 2-1 favourite to replace Borthwick, coaches Racing 92 and they are floundering in 8th place in Top 14. Racing 92 are 16 points behind leaders Toulouse. Lancasters contract lasts until 2027. He will do well to serve out his time.
Kpoku just might not be in the right environment, but with an ego the size of the nearby Tower, he may not think so.
Staying in the success race can be a financial challenge. Harlequins, keen to retain the services of Marcus Smith have forked out £600,000 (B26 million) a year on a new contract. When you start paying that kind of money, winning is the only repayment. Smith also receives £160,000 for his contract with England. Those who played for England in the amateur days are finding it hard to sleep on that.
A recent documentary highlighted the problems some of the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning players are facing, physically, personally and financially, led by Phil Vickery, who is suffering from chronic, traumatic encephalopathy. Phil is one of over 400 damaged players acting against the RFU. Bearing in mind the NFL in America had to spend over US$500 million to fend off a similar action, World Rugby are naturally concerned. Changes to rules and regulations are needed, as well as those trying to improve the on-field product.
At club level there is concern that increasing admission prices will force families away from the game. One issue that will add to this problem is clubs not sending out their strongest teams. Leicester beat the Sharks from South Africa by 56 points to 17 last Saturday (Dec 14). When the game kicked off half the Sharks team remained in South Africa, a club and selection decision.
Ulster can vouch for the improving standard of French club rugby having conceded over 100 points in consecutive weeks against Toulouse and Bordeaux. Money will not only attract the best players but ensure the best local talent stays at the club that nurtured his/her development.
Many Lions supporters will have been heartened by Australia’s performances in the recent Autumn internationals. Australia may still not be able to beat the Lions, but they will be more competitive than was feared, and that may force many spectators to make the long trip.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.