At one end of the spectrum in football there is Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, reportedly earning over £400,000 (B16.8 million) a week, who is concerned that the manager has little interest in him after he was dropped to the bench.
Then, in rugby union, we have Welsh international duo Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who both play their club rugby at Ospreys. However, the uncertainty surrounding the club’s very existence is tempting both players to move to the nearest Gallagher Premiership club, Gloucester.
When rugby union became a professional sport, no one envisaged the current controversies, particularly those involving the talented Welsh national team. Wales was a beacon of expertise in playing and Welsh international players were known globally. You could not get a ticket for a home international match.
There may now be only two franchises remaining after the latest review. Gone are the Llanellis, Neaths and Bridgends, etc. We now have regional teams with neither traditional rivalry nor support.
Just who are the Ospreys? If we are fortunate, there may be only two franchises left in Wales. It’s working in Scotland with Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Self-interest and manipulation mirror current attitudes. Remember the phrase, “I’m alright, Jack.” Well, it is currently in vogue, big time. A club for life? Not anymore! Nowadays it seems a contract at a French club is more attractive than a place in a World Cup squad.
How long will it be before we have a European Super League for the top rugby union clubs? I think we are just waiting for the French TV authorities to press the button, then watch the wealthy benefactors jump on board. Bigger stadiums will be needed. Hospitality will cost more. The pie-and-a-pint supporter may find it hard to pay for food and drink, let alone a ticket.
Elsewhere, the second round of the Champions Cup saw one major surprise with Glasgow coming back from a 21-0 deficit at Halftime to defeat French powerhouse Toulouse 28-21.
This means the new pool leaders are as follows: 1. Glasgow; 2. Bath; 3. Stormers; 4. Northampton.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.