Dallaglio warns of player power
September 26, 2000

England international Lawrence Dallaglio believes that the game's ruling body could not afford to ignore players' demands for better working conditions.

Speaking in the Evening Standard Dallaglio commented "We are some way from talk of a strike, but there is real concern about the pressure being put on players at the moment.

"The players' voices need to be heard when everything from the structure of the season to the number of games players should not exceed is being discussed, and that can be done through the PRA.

"The Rob Andrew plan is good, but it could take three or four years to see it come into play.

"While there is talk about a maximum of 35 games a season, it's the quality of those matches that is important."

Dallaglio is a keen supporter of the Professional Rugby Players' Association, led by his former team-mate Damian Hopley. Hopley has previously warned that the top clubs and Rugby Football Union had to listen to the players' views as they attempt to end the latest row over the future of the sport.

Hopley said: "No one has mentioned a strike but everyone accepts the need for something dramatic, because too much mediocre rugby is being produced by players who are being asked to play too many matches.

"I don't believe the players realise how powerful they could be in the game. They are still waking up to the idea that they are the game and deserve to be involved in planning its future.

"It's important to empower the players because, at the moment, the type of rugby seasons being produced by those running the sport are simply not feasible."

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