ENGLAND RUGBY PAYING THE BILL | UPDATE 2...BONUS BOOGALOO!

[@EggchasersRugby]

CORRECTION: The refusal to make an exception for our player on the 'Star Scheme' was made by the 'Halbro North West Leagues', who administer that competition, not the Lancashire RFU. I would re-iterate how good the Star Scheme is by the way, and for information and support go to: www.starscheme.co.uk/

[@jingleballix]

Not ALL of the Nat. 1 clubs - 2 declined. p.s. No longer '57 Old Farts' - they are corporate blackguards and incompetents. Though it seems that Lancashire RFU are certainly of that ilk.

[@Tl-rs1dv]

The MP was playing pure politics , this was about unpaid Covid loans to the clubs - basically the Gov told the clubs to shut their grounds ( by law) , the clubs had to keep paying players and other bills so needed the loans ( as per other businesses) otherwise they would all be bust in 2020, but when the grounds reopened all the clubs struggled to pay back the covid loans (and 3 went into Admin owing 30M in covid loans). The Gov 'lost' billions in Covid loan write offs ( much to fraud) and the RFU was easy target/ smoke screen to make the MP look like he was doing something - so he spent even more taxpayer money on 'advisors' ( who delivered nothing ?) . That same MP was suspended a few weeks later from parliament ( later cleared). Do you think 'Rugby ' should repay all the covid loans and if so how ? Remember the gov told everyone to stay at home / close the grounds to paying spectators etc. If the repayment of the covid loans becomes a requirement ( as per the MP ) then the 3 x pro teams in admin cannot return without finding c£10m each , so far the RFU have only made ;repaying 'rugby debts' eg players /coaches etc a requirement . The RFU appears to be looking after the interest's of rugby , whilst the MP was looking after the interests of himself in my view - did him no good as he lost his seat anyway . Be careful who you back !!

[@johannblignaut1966]

I admire a man who stands up for his beliefs and what he loves.Well done Tim.

[@grahambeaton4803]

Yeah, yeah well said!!!!

[@bescotrahim4271]

100% well done for speaking up Tim

[@Skoll9276]

Hi, I rarely comment on a KZbin video (and I'm French, so sorry in advance for my level of English), but I particularly like your channel. I think that in France one of the things that makes rugby attractive is the promotion/relegation system at all levels. You can have your little local rugby club climb the divisions over the years and end up in the top 14 (with a bit of luck and a lot of investment). This means that even at the lowest level, games still have something at stake. After all, I know that English rugby has other problems, and I hope that you'll manage to solve them (just like Wales rugby has big problems at the moment). Wishing you all the best from France.

[@avrilgardiner9111]

Arguably your most important video of the year.

[@trevorhawkins8498]

100% agree with your comments. The grassroots game is a perilous state with falling participation numbers and reduced funding. The RFU appear to be blind to the problem. Keep up the good work.

[@jmurphy9657]

Blind? Or aware and yet doing nothing about it, and actually actively making it worse?

[@erinkirby6209]

As an ex-RFU employee of 19 years who was made redundant about 6 years ago from the grass-roots Rugby Development department, can I just say a huge thank you for this! We need more people like you banging the drum.

[@glynjones-t5w]

I have loved rugby all my life, I played for twenty nine years in S Africa ,all I can say to you Tim is you are a Proper Rugby Man, if only there were more like you, keep it up mate. Glyn Jones

[@BrianHutchins-e5v]

Tim, Great PodCast. I coached minis an juniors 10 years ago and won the gloucester county champs 3 years running and was asked to step down because we were too successfull because that was not what the senior club managers wanted. We had great kids from all backgrounds and schools, sadly the boys slowly started to stop playing rugby because all were being taught is drills after drills and no competition matches. Unfortunately it is still going on The kids have to enjoy their rugby experience, understand and respect referees and shake hands once the game is over and learn how to lose before enjoying the winning. Lessons of life.

[@quadswithmods]

As a saffa living in wales who played rugby in England, Scotland and Wales appreciate your content . Structures are vital to success of the sport

[@jukeseyable]

just rub it in why dont you, 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 hope your happy here in our beloved Wales

[@austinarsenault9040]

Nice to see a journalist willing to tell the truth , doing a great job!

[@OldDogNewDawn]

Another amazing analysis Tim. Keep fighting. If you have a year out of the press box (and that all it will be at the most) it will be worth it in the long run for the sake of English (and consequently all) rugby. Your KZbin followers will continue to support you, and will grow, regardless of where you sit. I do think however that RFU is not the head of the fish. That is World Rugby. But that is another discussion. In regards to how rugby can change young disaffected peoples lives for the better, it's true. Many for the first time in their lives become part of a positive, supportive community,. South African supporters know that. So do you.

[@howardjones1180]

Your independence shines through here. Credit to you for doing what many commentators are prevented from doing. Fine work.

[@pietrogabrieletozzi]

Been watching your channel since the 6 nations and I believe that this is by far the most important video you have put out. I wasn't familiar at all with the grassroots situation in England, but the picture you're painting is critical. Substantial change is needed and you have the platform to achieve it so best of luck and never stop advocating for it!

[@phronimos14]

This man contributes immensely to my enjoyment of rugby. Entertaining. Informative. Journalistic integrity.

[@James-fc8mi]

Brilliant video Tim, the self destructive streak in all the RFU staff really is sad to see. Hope something changes. Great work.

[@robinhazel1410]

As a Scot (albeit living now in the USA) I never thought I'd say this but, Will Carling is/was right and I'm sorry to see this going on in the English game. To survive the game must strive to grow (or is it maintain, as participant numbers are dwindling) so it has to be inclusive. I saw some similar issues in Scotland before I left. If it doesn't happen then heaven forbid Rugby will develop as American Football has and it'll lose all the non-playing (and many playing) features that make it such a superb sport. I'm aghast at the huge salaries paid out to folk who frankly aren't delivering at their jobs. Great video.

[@Ho3n3r]

A man that loves rugby genuinely and wholeheartedly more than Tim, is yet to be born. Thank you for doing so much to preserve the integrity and ethos of the game. Much love from South Africa.

[@MadeByMuel]

Keep banging the drum! Hopefully people in position to promote change start to listen to people like you, with their finger on the pulse.

[@brianwhelan6252]

I have been watching your brave efforts to cure the self interest from. what could be world class rugby. As a proud Irish rugby fan, we could do with more competition!! You have often stated that ours is a good basic system. PLEASE keep up the good work for all our systems sakes. Brian.

[@InsanelyIrish]

If you get removed from any journalism opportunities then it'll just prove you've hit a nerve. Even us Irish don't want or enjoy seeing stuff like this. Most of these committes are all about their pay. They don't care about the sport just their money.

[@mickhew26]

I was getting all emotional there Tim as I had a similar experience of apathy at the grassroots level all be it in Canada which has major problems of its own..

[@robertfridjhon550]

I love your honest digging down!! From a Saffa! Give Tim a Brannas!

[@romainviry3185]

Well done Tim. I can't imagine what it must feels like to get denied a way to play rugby locally "bc it's not as it's been done in the past". Ridiculous. In France, clubs welcome young lads with open arms and they can easily get a licence to play. Am not a rugby player at all but following one of my mate's son to his training, i tried goalkicking a little bit. After 5 attemps some lad from the club asked me if I wanted to join or even participate in "Thursday touch rugby sessions" for fun and initiation. Immediately felt like my interest would be nuttered and developed. Whatever my personal objective was at first.

[@tcr_tiagy]

Hi Tim, Agree with everything you said.. I have a similar personal experience where my son is not allowed to play official cup matches, only allowed to play 'friendlies', because he's 3 days too old for is age group.

[@romainviry3185]

that's ridiculous... :/

[@wonruleforthem4816]

Thank you for sticking your neck out on this one Tim. You’re absolutely right!

[@betterthanawesome]

The most frustrating reason for saying no is cause that's not how we've always done it. That's how organisations fail. Everyone just wants to protect their little piece

[@KwassiHuy]

First time ever I made a financial contribution to a youtuber, okay passionate rugby media personality, and I'm Za not English. I think your voice even quivered at some stage showing the passion.

[@andygillett9999]

71 year old ex second rower who would love to have had a conversation with some of these muppets who have been running and ruining our beloved game for years. So they can quaff their g&t’s and watch us oiks play wugger!!! Keep it up Tim😉😉

[@andrewwhyte9316]

I love that you're so passionate about this topic. I would love to hear what you would do if you were in charge. The fact that you risk a place a Twickenham to keep beating the drum gives me more belief that you want to fix the issues for rugby, not out of some sort of personal gain.

[@riyaadrhoda3990]

Tim will be the most wanted man after this. All jokes aside this type of reporting deserves all the praise which is something you wont hear in the mainstream media. Big respect to Tim, a man of integrity and credibility for pointing out the incompetence and corruption. Thank you. You are a brave man indeed.

[@AndyBaker-s9m]

Good work Tim. Absolutely right he should go. Thanks for speaking out

[@TxuriUrdin-64100]

Thank you for your commitment and for bringing this up. Even if everything was doing fine, such a bonus would not be acceptable. I'm sure the guy already has a huge salary and lots of advantages, he doesn't this that on top of the rest. The all about the money mentality won't bring anything good. Almost killing football, rugby would be wise limiting its growth and greediness.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Fair play Tim, you should be proud of your passion and principles. Good luck

[@nathanmcgowan5198]

Great video and well said. The difference between unions and the Success the more professional seaming unions appear to have is major. I'm positive they're not perfect but comparing South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland with England or Wales is night and day. Will Carling was right in 95, Eddie Jones was right a few years ago pointing out that in England its a Private School boys game (and to take it into State Schools to grow the Player base). The whole Old Boys club needs to be replaced with things that work for Amateurs, Semi Pros and Professionals. Whether that's 1 system or different systems I don't know. As an Englishman living in Wales the state of the 2 Unions is really sad to see.

[@alexhutchens9768]

Don't worry about upsetting the RFU. You're the voice of reason. Toxicity breeds Toxicity. The setup bar a few are yes men. This is why nothing will change.

[@Trail_Heads]

Sir Tim, your OBE is on back order, for your service to humanity and rugby! 🏅 When you visit us in SA again you can have bottomless 'brannas'.

[@avrilgardiner9111]

Sir Tim. And then e becomes an old fart ......😂

[@avrilgardiner9111]

Rather put him in the Rassie league. Doctor Tim. Makes sense. We in SA are big on grassroots development. Well, in theory at least.

[@geoffpatton5076]

Thank you, important that this is aired to improve the understanding of what is wrong with Rugby administration in England. It needs to change, the financial model is unsustainable and the lack of empathy for grass roots clubs is shocking. I have no clue how change can be made, perhaps have a look at the French model - that seems to work. Keep up the good work.

[@mattcheesman1055]

Journalist telling the truth. Shock horror!!! Thanks Tim. You can be sure your you tube hoard are right behind you😎

[@aluncurtis6124]

The whole situation is mirrored around the world in so many sporting bodies in which a money grabbing bastard manipulates his way into a position of self profit with sneering disregard for the people he is meant to serve. It is sad in its predictability.

[@Sean-zt7ee]

I have said for many years as long as Twickenham is full when England play that is all the RFU care about. What the Championship and Nat 1 Clubs are saying does not surprise me at all. Rugby is dying a death financially in England yet the RFU do not care. Disgraceful

[@MarkDonnan-w2y]

Excellent video and superb analysis of the issues top to bottom in the RFU which is unfit to organise the great sport of rugby in England. Power to your elbow, Tim, and keep up the good work!

[@cjgrobler101]

Love what you do for the game. As a kid growing up we moved around a lot, I was lucky because all the schools we moved to played rugby. That was always the first and best way for me to connect with anyone. Thank you for what you are doing for this game. I never played professional, I'm in my 40s now, but still dreaming about it.

[@JakeEastham]

I’ve spoken to former England internationals and it’s common knowledge that the people at the top of the RFU are at the heart of the problems with the game and have been for decades. I was flabbergasted by what I have been told and it’s safe to say that they are on a gravy train and none of them want to get off.

[@kev63inuk]

Great you’ve dug deeper into this issue Tim. Makes us who don’t have a voice feel better and hopeful that things will get better. More needs to be done other than getting rid of sweeney but got to start somewhere. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kev63inuk]

Forgot to add that wales knew for years that things had to change and look what happened there. I genuinely feel sorry for Welsh rugby and never thought I would say that as a passionate Englishman. But truly hope wales and ourselves can get our game back and run properly. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@marvinmarlin9655]

Absolutely 100% correct Tim! Is it any surprise in this current political climate that yet another ‘professional body’ proves itself to be totally inept. Board, Council, Executive the whole lot need to go, and soon.

[@IanRuxton]

I much appreciate your efforts to bring us news and uncover scandals and problems in the English game at both national and local levels.

[@stevemaughan356]

The truth will set you free Tim!.. hopefully you don’t get punted, appreciate you getting this out there. Hopefully, for the good of the game change will come.

[@stephenrc4229]

Boring? Definitely not. Great to find out what’s going on in English rugby through to the grass roots. Great video!

[@joshcook8206]

Well said lad good on your for standing up and speaking out one of the few doing it

[@robbugden3371]

Absolutely spot on Tim, great video and love your content

[@davidpechey853]

Really fascinating podcast (from someone who loves watching, but has never played or been involved in rugby as no Comp school rugby in my area when young). Rugby sounds like many organisations where there are too many people in positions of power (from top to bottom) who are primarily there for the prestige and self importance it gives them. Protection of the status quo, their own power and sense of control become more important than striving to improve things. Leads to lots of “no we don’t do that”, “no you can’t”, general stagnation and decline. This is married to a perverse sense of their own importance. People lose jobs, teams disband/go bankrupt and yet it’s pay rise time at the top!!

[@brucemacgregor670]

I'm a youth coach at Ealing Trailfinders. The continued actions of this administration to block advancement of championship sides to the Premiership favours only the 10 (was 12) shareholder clubs of the Premiership, it is counter productive to the growth of the game and is harmful. Not only should the RFU be reformed from top to bottom but the relationship between the RFU and PRL needs to be properly scrutinised. It is no wonder that former senior RFU officials have now been appointed as Executives within PRL

[@nicogerber2]

I believe this was one of your best videos ever. Thank you. So much to take from this.

[@davidprice8812]

Good job Tim. It makes me realise how fortunate I was growing up in Hong Kong playing through their youth structure. Plenty of competitions, and overseas tours. My little sister is thriving there now because the wrap around the game is so complete. I recognise the nuance of a highly connected small city state, and the rather wealthy per capita union, but players at all levels feel like they are all part of something special. There are also amazing invitation tournaments like the HK tens which I remember playing in with the late great Jonah Lomu. Lucky for me we were in different pools, but the idea of exposing local amateurs to retiring or semi pro teams was awesome albeit might be deemed too dangerous in the modern era.

[@faridasolomon1498]

Not a boring video at all Tim. Your videos are always appreciated from a saffa

[@nqabamagwa9591]

Great insight as always. Hope administration listens and takes notes for the betterment of rugby in all levels.

[@bristowezt9751]

Tim, first and foremost I think your content is fantastic and this video alone represents your investment in the sport. I’ve played for a club in Suffolk and now in London. The club I grew up in was a mid-bottom tier club in the region, largely made up of comprehensive school boys who played for the love of the game and encouraged by a fantastic coach who invested in us, giving up years and year of his life for us. Something I will forever be grateful for. He brought into the team boys, like the one you described who were from incredibly low income families and would rally around all the Dads to ensure those boys had lifts to training, lifts to games and had a touch point in the off season. One of whom remains a fantastic friend to this day, and I honestly believe it was the investment of interest in that boys development, through rugby, which his enabled to achieve where his is in his life. It’s more than a sport, it a a community. Thank you for bringing light to the RFU challenges that are more than the performance of the Premiership teams, change in needed through the sport

[@shanecollins3811]

Totally relevant Tim! Well said and tough shit if RFU ban you, it's what's best for rugby not the old farts.

[@robertfridjhon550]

I really admire you coming to SA to really find out about what makes the Boks!! Its all about grassroots, agreed! But, how much grass is.left once the cowd have finished feeding! I really care about World Rugby too!! England can be great again, after a massive rethink! Why don't the England Squad come out to rural South Africa!?; to experience the hard, dry, hungry conditions that exist! Therein lies a bond.of mutual understanding, learning and respect!! And, hopefully future mutual development! I wouldlive a day when an England team touring to SA actually meant something, rather than being laughed off as a practice team!

[@avrilgardiner9111]

Great idea.

[@alexandermehegan5129]

Fair Play - Always Honest and Respectful. But quite upsetting when you shine a light on the shambles of Rugby in the UK 😢 Thank you 🙏

[@bescotrahim4271]

Well said Tim. Sad to say there is a lot of this protecting their patch in society. The only way to stop it is by speaking up

[@richardgreen-pn4vz]

100% with you tim, and i thought it was difficult enough here in cornwall!!

[@graemewillard6991]

The RFU, corrupt? Surely not! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrismawby1805]

Shocking state of affairs, I believe that Rugby is slowly dying, I played rugby for many years for a club that could send out five teams on a Saturday, now that same club struggles to put together one team on a Saturday. It’s now urgent that the whole system from top to bottom needs to change. The old men of the RFU must go ASAP

[@AllInTheGame01]

Ah yes 'The Good 'Ol Boys Club' :(

[@Jigz_27]

Keep on fighting the good fight! 🏉 It's absolutely relevant and on point. Class act.

[@TheCoad]

Completely relevant and one of the reasons I watch

[@nickkendrick9360]

Thank you for this. I hope it does not have consequences.

[@davidwalker2402]

While it might be great to get rid of some dead wood, believe me there are so many waiting to pick up the mantle of dead wood. Unless you change wholesale look at constitutions and agree to bring in new and young blood, all you’re doing is swapping one lot for another. A major problem is not going far enough and just ending up with the same thing.

[@QSDigitalVideo]

Great video. Sounds like a culture of all is fine, and we'll run things exactly how we want to run things (while our fingers are permanently in our ears).

[@Matt-m3y-r4u]

I love your channel. Well done, Sir. I grew up in southwestern France and moved to the USA a while ago - I miss rugby. Budget restrictions are definitely hurting English clubs. I also don't understand why we're sending half of the Premiership in the Champions Cup, and almost half of the Top 14 and URC. I believe this competition would be more interesting with fewer teams.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Where do you live? Why don’t you go to an MLR game.

[@CCP24]

Spot on. Well said. Keep saying it..

[@jngf100]

Well done for telling it as it is!

[@danielpickess2027]

Well done Richmond

[@davidbeckett1565]

Thank you for your ongoing effort to investigate/expose what is happening at the top English rugby. Any idea why Bishop's Stortford and Moseley didn't sign the open letter from the National One teams?

[@keithdoyle2535]

Excellent sports journalism and personal insights. Sports administrators tend to be shielded from scrutiny and oversight, we have seen similar farce from the Football Association of Ireland over the years. As an aside, the IRFU do a good job financially and in maintaining the status quo but make little discernible effort to grow the game among the kinds of communities you mention in Manchester.

[@barryhopcroft5065]

Tim, thanks again for the video. As a South African living in London, I worry about the state of rugby at grass roots level in England. I would love to see my boy play the game that I so love, mind you he is only 2 yrs old. The amateur game is in a fragile state and I worry that it may get worse, before getting any improvements are made.

[@maxdelucia8250]

As you were talking, I was thinking of the adage “the fish rots from the head”, and then you said it….

[@christianReeve-qx8mf]

Tim, you can always pop down the local to watch the matches! Well done as a utube influencer

[@rorymkirk]

Good on you Tim. This needs getting after.

[@SimpleJack-jq2qn]

FairPlay Tim, you’re fighting the good fight on every level. Rugby administration needs to be reviewed. Too many old farts profiteering off the game with outdated values and non-existent commercial and sporting expertise. Wales and England have suffered massively because of this issue and to see the effect on the very bottom level is tough. Rugby needs to ditch the past in lots and lots of ways.

[@dazeng4633]

Great peice regarding youth Rugby Tim. Said it before and I'll say it again, we simply don't play Rugby in this country. It could be such a brilliant platform for young troubled kids to vent that unspent aggression and who knows where they go from there? We have millions of potential athletes lost to the game. We have to di a far better job of selling the violence, like it or not it's what draws people to the game and stirs up that warrior spirit in us all.

[@bedcurt]

Great video, the whole structure top down to county level needs a complete review. This maybe cynical but are some of these officials just there to get their Twickenham tickets whilst the hard workers at grass roots have to spend a mortgage to watch a game at headquarters

[@valhaynes858]

If you get banned Tim it shows you have hit a nerve and how petty the RFU are. The truth hurts so keep up the great work.

[@johndempsey7784]

Great vid with context from a real rugby man! Can't be more behind the cause 'a la Carling' al those years ago. Keep tickling the old farts ribs 💪

[@knoll9812]

Video is brilliant. England needs ideas. England needs to accept ideas.

[@ColinAnderson-hy2oj]

England needs to realize that what some people call 'job security', others would call 'carrying dead wood' !

[@tyronematthews7480]

Myself and a mate of mine tried to create a brand new club and we were Ostracised immediately by the RFU and our County!! At a time when we are losing players by the fistful and trying to grow the Womens game and they just said no. Even though we had more governance in place than they did!!

[@daviddorfan9023]

Tim, You are the antithesis of a typical rugby admiinistrator, You listen,, think and care about the game. Rugby is unbelievably conservative in some ways. In fact I could argue that Rassie's true genius is his ability to think issues through as opposed to saying "That is how it is aways done. I imagine you are a thinking coach, who looks carefullly at every player to see where they need help. Keep youpr great work up!

[@TP1988]

Great video Tim. Infuriating section on your lad’s club, talk about the baby and the bath water from your local Union.

[@JerichotheSplendid]

Love watching rugby but not involved in it at any level. Your personal stories were very enlightening on how the structure of rugby is fundamentally damaged. Thanks for sharing.

[@dalyanjewel]

When an England captain calls them old farts many years ago they’ve blossomed into old fools that control the money but NOT THE PLAYERS DEVELOPMENT , THE CLUBS DEVELOPMENT or the putting into place a structure that is connected to Local communities and schools. They SHOULD ALL RESIGN .

[@jamesbenjamin8078]

Could it be that there is a really toxic mix of incompetent amateurs, stuck in the past, and ex-corporate self-serving popinjays who can only view success in narrow financial terms and seem incapable of understanding that successful sports administration needs to understand that the player/fan base has a strong emotional, historical, civic etc element to their involvement in and support of a sport. The same is happening in cricket

[@mercedessl8718]

Tim, we agree to disagree on the picking of Ford for the national team but I wholeheartedly agree with your comments here, well said.

[@nickcharnley19]

Love the channel, keep doing what a lot us are thinking. l got my email from the rfu today, saying we are looking into it? Watch this space. Was effected by your grass roots bit. Coached from u5's through to U16's, some amazing years, 80 odd in our year group, 40/60 mix of fee paying, rugby schools, now they are mostly at Uni. And discovered other things I only know of 3 lads still playing? Partly as even rugby at uni is an elite pathway of sorts. I think many will find their way back, your only young once, but something is not working

[@alanmulcahy7749]

Re media team - if they are employees, I think you are more likely to get the VIP treatment than be barred !

[@JohnRidley12]

That league being dropped has made me scream with rage

[@mybadgaming6786]

You need to do a video on all the top Rugby union Council and what is the difference between them and who is the best 5 Unions on paper. Thanks

[@jngf100]

Needs a genuine rugby great to go on mainstream media and ask for these 3 crooks to go before christmas!

[@AlistairTutton]

I look forward to Update 3 when you reveal how the referees union have forced a “Special General Meeting”…and Update 4 when they oust Sweeney and Ilube…but I would love an episode devoted to the changes you would want introduced to the RFU after Sweeney is gone.

[@tabs9655]

Should do a video about the Ben Cohen and Phil V interview on rugby pod. Such a great interview and would love to watch your take on it