For more than 100 years rugby union players were free to move to league, provided they did not mind being banned from their own game. There was no such freedom for league people. Now that freedom exists, it is hardly surprising that some wish to take advantage of it. It is also the case that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. League coaches are particularly prized for their ability to organise defences - Phil Larder has received much of the credit for England s defensive qualities.
Union is probably worse-run than league.
Whatever we may think of the RFL, compared to the Welsh Rugby Union they look like a combination of Microsoft and Daimler Benz. But, because of its much wealthier supporter base, there is much more money around. Regular World Cups, the Six Nations and the European Cup give it a much more effective international dimension than league. But there is no reason to panic. One consequence of the free gangway is that those who cross the divide can still come back.