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rugby_rockstar says...

I'm English and I'm disgusted by the behaviour of tiny group of super-rich fat millionaires who basically don't give a damn about rugby fans, be them celtic, french or english. RFU. Get rid of the PRL clubs and bring in regions. These selfish slimebags don't deserve to be in the sport.

Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy, The majroty of english rugby fans will be as fed up with the english and french clubs as you are, so you have public opinion on your side, stick to your guns and the english clubs and disapear up thier own back sides and everyone will be a winner.

Posted 10:23 23rd August 2012

ImLaigheanIt says...

This is just pathetic whinging. Don't the English and French want rugby union to expand? Automatic qualification from the Celtic league makes sense because it ensures that weaker developing nations like Wales, Scotland and Italy have representation for their clubs in Europe's premier competition, and that they can gain the experience of facing teams from stronger, more established and successful nations like England, France and Ireland. Grow up guys FFS!!!!

Posted 10:16 23rd August 2012

GreenDip says...

@ leinster_goy

so you are an advocate of minority quotas instead of merit-based qualification. Those teams not making the grade by qualifying in the top 6 of the Celtic/Italian league can still play European rugby in the ACC. Where's your problem? Thought you Irish people are cosmopolitan!

Posted 10:06 23rd August 2012

howrtings says...

Leinster and Munster (the teams highlighted in the above artical) have finished in the top three of the Celtic League in each of the last 5 seasons. Whether their position was dependant on HC qualification or not, the argument above of resting players as they do not need to worry about qualification is complete nonsense.

What the English and French Leagues want is to dominate the sport at a european level. A focus on their business plans and overall mission would be a far better use of their time, as this is where the real issue lays.

Posted 09:57 23rd August 2012

melkdave says...

Ive argued for many years that the HC qualification should be on merit only.The premier club competion in the NH should be for the best clubs ,and every pool should be looked on as a group of death ,atm those with italian or scottish or with the weaker welsh teams are looked upon as being easier,that shouldnt happen or be.Also as has been said 80%of english and french clubs income comes from their vibrant league matches.Contrast that with Pro12 league games ,where the clubs are lossing money or breaking even.The reason for this is theres nothing in the Pro12 for fans to get excited about ,and be willing to brave the eleaments to support their team.No HC quialification battles ,no relegation battles,and to be honest the Pro12 teams arnt the fans teams atm being regional theres no civic pride at stake ,A bit different in Ireland of course where the old provincle rivalries kick in .The Pro12 has to give fans something to cheer for get excited for ,or attendance numbers will continue to decrease ,while in England and France with vibrant leagues attendances are rising year on year.Proper HC qualification could just be the thing to get fans cheering and excited ,and back watching the excellant rugby those teams are producing,and maybe just maybe get a tv company interested in screening the matches

Posted 09:43 23rd August 2012

leinster_goy says...

picking up the ball and running home crying to mummy/maman

Posted 09:19 23rd August 2012