Rugby's school problem needs fixing

@EllisGenge They also just stop looking too soon. They settle on their programmes and academies way too early. For a late development sport surely that’s the worst thing to do.?

@EllisGenge I’m a Chairman of a Tier 5 rugby club, situated within a working class area alongside 2 other Tier 5 clubs within a mile of each other. The lack of rugby being played in state schools is not sustainable for clubs like ours. The RFU need to pull their finger out.

@EllisGenge We don't have access issues in Wales. We have thriving mini and junior clubs everywhere. The issue happens when schools get involved. They cream from the top, make it a binary choice between local club and school. Better partnership between local clubs and schools is needed.

@EllisGenge Spot on @EllisGenge 👏👏

@EllisGenge Excellently said. As someone else pointed out when these development squads are selected it tends to be a closed shop then as well. @MikeBubbins @distantpod interesting stuff here

@EllisGenge @EllisGenge gets it. There’s players out there that could be superstars but , as is also the case elsewhere, they prioritise the private schools.

@EllisGenge Yes @EllisGenge I've said it for 30 years since my Bristol Schools days where I was one of only two comprehensive school players (both Nailsea). I'm Headteacher of a Primary School in Patchway now...loads of talent, parents don't drive so the pathway stops there!

@EllisGenge Kids at private schools have access to 10+ hours per week rugby specific training. State school 2 hours on a Sunday. There needs to be a concerted effort to put rugby back in schools. No RFU investment (or very little) axing of community game funding. List could go on.

@EllisGenge It’s not quite correct. Boys may have attended independent schools for a while, whilst others started in state schools and then went to Independent schools in the sixth form… often because of the work done in the Academy.

@EllisGenge Motorsport has this problem too, you have to marry dreams with opportunity, otherwise you erode the hope which is crucial for all children 💪