Tung

It began as a faint aroma in a quiet area of France. By the time it had reached England and crossed the Peninnes; it had stunk to high Heaven. The fresh new faced baby, had finally thrown its toys out of the pram.

Like all sports early tango with Professionalism, Rugby's Flirtation began with starry eyes. Early Indications were that the fledging Heiniken cup would be the Champions league of Rugby. On an International front, Ireland gave the clearest indication that the new model would be a resounding success. By centrally contracting all its main players, it harnessed the traditional power bases of Irish Rugby its Provincial sides.

And how they embraced it. Ulster won the first Heineken cup for an Irish side in a competition. The unique triumph for an Irish side was diminished by the boycott of the English teams. The first seeds of discontent had just been sown; soon they would reap a bitter harvest.

By the time the mighty men of Munster had completed their epic odyssey, there were strong under currents of dissent emanating from France and England. The English clubs had been promised a slice of the Competition cake and were digging their heels in, as their dispute with the RFU gathered pace; enter the French. While history suggested they'd make strange allies, Crisp Dollar bills can smooth a multitude of cracks. With the French whining about the amount of competitive matches in World cup year, something had to give. The babies had out grown their play pens. With the success of the French and English home leagues, came the need to to re evaluate the Heineken Cup. While the clubs lacked leadership, the Unions held the sway.

Enter the French again in the shape of Serge Blanco. A stylish and highly successful former player, Blanco is proving equally effective off the pitch. He has garnered the seething unrest within the clubs, who are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the Unions cash cow. Echoes of the Major league Baseballs strike are in the offing. At the core is the usual suspect.. Money!

It was only a matter of time before this rotten Apple would spoil the Barrel. The big loser's will be the Irishand their celtic neighbours who don't have a Professional league of their own. The Competition had not only improved the standard of Irish Rugby, it had introduced a whole new Irish generation to the sport. The loss in revenue will be crippling, and thats just for starters. It would be unfair to blame Blanco for harnessing the power within the clubs. Rugby sold its soul when it embraced professionalism, it was like all sport, only intended to be a game.

Eddie Ryan is a regular contributor to Ireland's Own magazine and a former writer of the Tribune newspaper. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Ryan