Hence the hollow laughter from some quarters in union when league discovers what it is like to be on the short end of that deal. The difference however is that this particular purchasing campaign is being conducted by a ruling body rather than individual clubs. But it is clear that they will find money should a suitable RL player be available. The question is whether the RFU is deliberately setting out to destabilise league. I rather doubt it.
League is much more preoccupied by union than vice-versa.
There is a logic to this league has been defined throughout its history by its struggle for survival against union. As a Welshman this is easily recognisable we are far more preoccupied by the English than they are by us. The real problem with the RFU is not that they are out to get Rugby League, but that they don t give a damn about anybody else. This, remember, is the organisation that sold the rights to Five Nations rugby to Sky Television, ignoring the minor detail that those rights were equally the property of four other unions. Last month it consented in the rescheduling of its Six Nations match against Ireland, since postponed to next season, to a weekend already allotted to club playoffs without consulting or informing the clubs.