The only English side in the later rounds of the European Cup is Northampton. The question is why?
The Leicester coach has said the salary cap is the problem. This is because he says the salary cap prevents squad size. I disagree the English sides have generally been poor. This goes back to an ongoing theme I have in this blog. Poor skill levels.
The English premiership sides are currently playing a brand of rugby so boring and safe that skill levels are suffering. The Irish, Welsh and Scottish sides have not the depth of players but play without fear die to lack of relegation. The French sides have always played with style conducive to skilful back play. English club sides play with a physical brutality this is not always ideal for skilful forward and back play.
What's the solution? Certainly getting rid of the salary cap would allow English clubs to strengthen their squads. However inequality would reign. The financial situation would mirror the English premier football league. Clubs would go broke and the same clubs would win all the time. I am convinced investement in the coaching infrastructure would be enough. Less emphasis on the physical and more on the mental and skill levels.
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