Baron has spoken out because he feels he has a responsibility to the game as a former chief executive of 12 years standing (1998-2010), “to advise and warn when unexplained and worrying financial trends develop and appear to be unaddressed”.
He says the RFU member clubs, “have a right to know the extent of the financial problems the Union is facing, how the RFU has got itself into this position, and how to get out of it”.
Baron, who is concerned by the erosion of democracy in the RFU administration – as well as a sharp decline in the PLC standards he introduced – says: “We are a democratic sport, and these issues need open debate and discussion.”
In the first of a series of exclusive interviews with The Rugby Paper, Baron highlights his concerns with potentially damaging and divisive issues facing the English game, with the promotion-relegation ringfence, the slashing of Community rugby funding, and the arrival of private equity investors CVC as shareholders, at the top of the list.
Baron warns that, “automatic promotion and relegation is essential at all levels in the game”, and reasserts his belief that the role of the RFU is not to provide for “investor protection” in the sport.
He adds, “at professional level rugby is a sport first, and a business second. If we do not get the rugby decisions right there is no basis for sound business”.
Denne historien er fra April 25, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 25, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
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Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
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Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
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It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
