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.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2024 de Rugby World.
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"I remember getting eating guidelines for Christmas Day!"
CHRISTMAS, the most wonderful time of the year? Not if you’re a professional rugby player it’s not.
Rugby firsts
FIRST RUGBY match you went to? I would have gone to RODNEY PARADE to watch a Newport game when I was about six years old, so around 1992 or 1993.
THE JOHN FISHER STATE SCHOOL RUGBY FESTIVAL
The inaugural John Fisher Rugby Festival hopes to Send state-school rugby players into the stratosphere.
The Making Of Robbie Henshaw
How this small-town boy went On to become a big-time player
RG SNYMAN
The giant Springbok is enjoying the best of both worlds since joining Leinster
BENHARD JANSE VAN RENSBURG
Bristol's South African centre has one eye on an England call-up in 2026
RUGBY RANT
Jessica Hayden, author of The Red Roses, says the women’s game can handle criticism
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...GO ON TOUR WITH EMERGING IRELAND
Munster's Ben O'Connor tells RW about the eye-opening trip to South Africa
"Welsh rugby treats players like pieces of meat, not assets"
THEY’VE BUILT the women’s game around the men’s game in Wales but it has to be its own thing.
"I don't believe in dinosaurs – the boys think it's nuts!"
The Exeter Chiefs hooker talks Tarmac, time travel and Tyson Fury
