To whom this might concern……In days of yore the St.Helens region had six rugby union clubs fielding upwards of 22 teams. Today four clubs hopefully turn out 9 teams on a Saturday. Quite a difference.

And we are not alone. According to the recently published Sport England figures:

(http://www.sportengland.org/media/226699/1x30_sport_16-factsheet_APS7_final.pdf) there was a significant decline in once per week participation in rugby union between October 2012 and October 2013 by players aged above 16 years. By contrast participation in rugby league in the same age group has increased over the same period .

Is it any wonder that activity on the field in the 15 a side code has shrunk if clubs, like Liverpool St.Helens, are subjected to laws which fail to promote the spirit of the game or enhance its playing strength. And by being rigidly and unreasonably applied. seem to be  written solely for the satisfaction of any zealous, inflexible legislator?

Let me explain…..Owing to a crippling injury list among half a dozen 1st and 2nd team front rowers, LSH were forced to concede their match against Rochdale RUFC in the Lancashire Trophy, only to find out that, as a result, the Third team was excluded by the North West Leagues from taking part in a totally different cup competition - North West League Cups - against Prenton Second XV.  

Such a draconian decision meant that a further thirty plus players were not able to enjoy a Cup match while Prenton, as well as also being hit by having no game, lost revenue from their opponents over their bar.

How does a captain keep his players together, while at the same time having to explain to any newcomers trying their hand at rugby for the first time, that for no obvious reason they are denied the enjoyment of a game, through a rigid observance of laws for their own sake, with no consideration for others wishing to enjoy themselves on a Saturday afternoon.

Gentlemen, get real! The blind observance of laws which have no acknowledgement of the spirit or purpose of the sport is a hindrance to the progress of the very sport itself - and the enjoyment of those who attempt to play it.

Ray French (March 2014)