REMEMBER WHEN...WE HAD A HOTLINE ON RUGBY GOING PRO

RW readers could ring in to have their say on the amateur-pro debate

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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.