Now, having had time to examine the books, she is more aware of the rugby predicament. Expenditures such as £50,000 (B2.2 million) on flowers and a 20% overspend on the performance budget in one season suggest that there needs to be a focus on improving efficiency and better management.
Fortunately, the Welsh Rugby Union had only to pay just over £700 pounds to buy the beleaguered Cardiff RC and save it from going into administration. The much-respected Sam Warburton has indicated reducing the four regional teams to three, but who goes? And why?
Certainly, the loss of the Melbourne Rebels in Australia has improved the quality of performance of the Waratahs, Reds, Force and Brumbies. Have attendances improved? End of season stats will clarify the problem and maybe endorse Warburton’s suggestion.
However, in an important European Challenge Cup fixture, the Ospreys drew a meagre crowd of just over 4,000 for the visit of Lyon. Losing has enhanced the problem.
Overseas French teams and Leinster are demolishing UK teams not only by scoring huge points tallies, but more worryingly keeping their opponents scoreless.
In France the salary cap is £3 million more than in the UK. Quite simply French clubs can invest more in buying players and more importantly on internal development.
The RFU, which lost over £30mn last season, must initiate change before it is imposed and more clubs face existential risks.
For some time, I have been advocating a two-tier European league structure with promotion and relegation. Plus, an even financial playing field. If Trump puts tariffs on rugby balls, some clubs may really struggle.
Meanwhile, in Super Rugby, Australian teams are faring must better this season, lying 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th on the ladder. Is the improvement down to four teams replacing five or the poor performances of some of the Kiwi teams, such as The Blues, for example?
French club performances along with Leinster have surpassed Kiwi performances and this will be a concern for New Zealand rugby which has its own financial worries and the threat from other sports, especially of Basketball at school level.
The European Champions Cup has reached the semi-final stage. Leinster play Northampton Saints and Bordeaux plays Toulouse. My tip is a Leinster v Bordeaux final.
In the Women’s Six Nations England and France top the table and are likely to maintain those positions.
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.