THE TOPIC of professionalism in rugby union was such a hot debate in March 1996 that Rugby World established a hotline for readers to vote on whether the game should remain pro or revert to amateurism, writes Joe Robinson.
Calls cost 39p per minute and were accompanied by a debate between estimable officials following the decision to make rugby an 'open' game in August 1995. Former England coach Dick Best argued it was the best decision for making England competitive against the world's best, while MP Michael Lord pleaded for a return to the amateur game. "I care about the game deeply and I believe it's amateur or nothing. It's going to destroy something precious," said the former Bedford centre.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2024 من Rugby World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2024 من Rugby World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
ALL EYES ON ROSS
OSS VINTCENT sees a lot of similarities between Exeter and Italy, the two teams for whom he struts his powerful, dynamic stuff. The 22-year-old No 8 recognises the crossover in age profile and mentality but is also well aware of the potential shared pitfalls, having been part of a young Chiefs group's struggles to back up an impressive breakout campaign.
BABY BLEU
Léo Barré is the latest in a line of young French stars hoping to bury the blues of last season's World Cup
Tom Voyce
RW pays tribute to the late England wing who was a key part of Wasps' golden era
"Scotland v Ireland is key to the whole shooting match"
Selection for the Lions four will hinge greatly on the Six Nations, says Stephen Jones. So who are the bolters who can force their way in?
Spanish steps
It's a new era for los Leones and their impressive coach Pablo Bouza - and only qualification for the 2027 World Cup will do
OLD PRIORIAN RFC
Giving grass-roots rugby the love that it deserves....
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MEL DEANE
I WAS at Wasps as a youngster, then signed for Richmond as a pro when I finished university in 1996. I played in Richmond's 106-12 win over Bedford in 1999 - still the biggest-ever Premiership victory.
MY RUGBY WORLD WITH STUART MCINALLY
The ex-Scotland captain turned commercial pilot on Blair Kinghorn, lucky boxers and a famous try
"YOU'RE A LONG TIME RETIRED"
After a ten-year hiatus, Rugby World editor Joe Robinson strapped the boots back on and returned to the rugby field
DOWNTIME WITH... Helena Rowland "I'd love to learn the fiddle and play country music"
The Loughborough and Red Roses star on violin playing, air fryers and historical fiction
