SPORTS LETTERS:Levy on transfers

Mr M. Shackel
Wednesday 24 January 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From Mr M Shackel

Sir: I do not believe for one moment that the majority of rugby clubs wish to turn back the clock and halt the move to professionalism.

Surely the election of Cliff Brittle was a signal that there is more to the world of rugby than the top 11 clubs and the national squad, important though they are to the game, and to the media.

What the middle and lower order clubs (as supposedly represented by Mr Brittle) want to hear is some encouragement from the RFU and perhaps a decent share in the projected bonanza should it ever materialise.

There are various ways in which a desirable fostering of the rank-and- file clubs can be achieved. I would suggest one move. A levy on any professional club signing a player from an amateur club whether that player is to be paid or not. The levy, fixed at say pounds 2,000, to go direct to the "feeder" club.

Yours sincerely,

MIKE SHACKEL

Sanderstead, S Croydon

Letters should be marked "For publication" and should contain daytime and evening phone numbers. They should be sent to Sports Editor, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL. They may be shortened for reasons of space.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in