Psychedelic Casual wrote:
This is the thing that RL doesn't seem to be 'getting'. It has to start at the bottom with schools and junior clubs.
Indeed. We struggle to get any media interest and always will do while the media is so centralised. So we have to grow "naturally". The amateur/schools game is vital to both producing but also in producing fans, spectators and sponsors.
Whilst some good work has taken place it's still fairly limited, ploughing down the same old path and in the same (or similar) old way.
We need a revolution in the amateur and schools game both at junior and at adult level. We need adult social leagues akin to 5-a-side football but more accessible than the current (IMO) relatively poor attempts at tag rugby.
Get playing in schools. Get regular contact with clubs and players. Get proper, accessible adult leagues. Whilst obviously we need to expand the game to other areas there's still plenty of scope for growth in the "Heartlands" too.