The future of English domestic rugby was thrown into doubt on yesterday when former international Rob Andrew quit two key organisations because national officials had failed to implement his blueprint for the game.
Rugby Football Union (RFU) chiefs said Andrew had resigned as chairman of the RFU's Taskforce and from Club England, organisations set up to devise ways of making English rugby competitive with the powerful Southern Hemisphere nations.
The decision increased the threat of the top English clubs breaking away to form their own independent championship.
Newcastle coach Andrew drew up a plan earlier this year that proposed a new 12team premier league of English clubs. But chances of it being brought in have been hit by a dispute with second division clubs over relegation and promotion.
"I think I blame the institution that is the RFU. It is not capable, because of its constitution, of running a professional sport," Andrew said.
"Because ultimately, if there is any problem with anything, the rest of the game - i.e. all of the clubs which form part of the RFU - can call a special general meeting and overturn any decision that either the management board or council actually make.
"It is something that professional clubs just cannot continue to cope with. We have had this for five years now."
Earlier this month the top clubs threatened to form their own championships unless the RFU implemented the Andrew plan.
Second division clubs had objected to the original proposal of stopping promotion or relegation from the top flight.
A compromise in the form of a play-off between the bottom premier league club and top second division club was suggested. But some second division clubs insist that promotion to the premier league should be automatic.
Club England chairman Fran Cotton echoed Andrew's disappointment, but said he regretted the Newcastle coach's decision to leave.
"While we share Rob's disappointment that it has not been implemented, we remain determined to reach an agreement based on the Andrew paper, thereby vindicating the energy Rob personally committed to," he said.
Meanwhile, after a disappointing first season as coach to the French national side, Bernard Laporte has told his players to shape up and stop being so "humble" as they prepare to face the Goliaths of rugby prior to this year's Six Nations tournament.
Last year France lost at home to both England and Ireland in the Six Nations.
Having last played against Romania in May, France face Australia on November 4th followed by two Tests against New Zealand on November 11th and 18th.
The French players will receive an extra £6,000 a man should they win all three Tests.
Swansea centre Mark Taylor will captain Wales in next month's three internationals against Samoa, the USA and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Springboks wing Breyton Paulse yesterday became the first black winner of the South African Rugby Player of the Year award.
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