Re: The Structure of the English Competition

Ian Diddams wrote:

> MasteroftheRevels <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
>
> > Then, finally, the structure below the ZP - the National Leagues, for semi-pro
> > and amateurs - is laid out at
> > http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/default.stm
> > BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English
> >
> > There is a lot of rugby played in England, with the RWC squad sitting at the top
> > of a substantial pyramid.  It is a numbers game, and right now England are
> > winning it.  Gone are the days of the good ol' boys and their school ties.
> > Although there is a good bit of that still around!
>
> It would be disengenuous to suggest that players in (say)
> herts/middlesex league division 4 have much effect on the England team
> or even the standards that oush through the pyramid.  Let alone those
> players that play in Herts/Middlesex Div 4's clubs' 2nd XVs etc.
>
>

I didn't infer that.  The base of the pyramid is at the National League 3 North &
South level.  Its down there that you see what is left of the rump of the former
Senior Clubs from the Amateur era i.e.; the Blackheaths and Waterloos.  Its not beyond
the bounds of reason for a young player to be spotted and signed by a higher league
Club, say ZP Sale in the case of Waterloo.  Not everyone gets picked up by the Schools
or Academies - although the chances are getting smaller by the year.  The next level
below NL3N&S would be let us say London 1.  I don't think there would be any serious
contenders within the ranks of London Nigerians.


--
One must change one`s tactics every ten years if one wishes to maintain one's
superiority.
--Napoleon Bonaparte