From Rugby World · · 2m
Will Carling on rugby's struggles
Will Carling says rugby is still far from its potential despite 30 years of leadership.
In brief
Will Carling says rugby is still far from its potential despite 30 years of leadership. Will Carling argues rugby remains underdeveloped with poor player selection and financial issues after 30 years. Originally reported by Rugby World.
Carling's current view
Will Carling remains outspoken about rugby's state after stepping down as England captain 30 years ago.
“let’s be honest, rugby is still way off where it needs to be”
England's Grand Slam record
England has won fewer Grand Slams than Carling managed in five seasons since 1991.
“in three decades, england have won fewer grand slams than carling managed in five seasons”
Club financial issues
Major rugby clubs are in debt and the national team struggles to pick its best players.
“the biggest clubs are in debt, the national team isn’t able to pick its best players”
Carling's key criticism
Carling says the RFU lacks a strong relationship with clubs and has poor player contracts.
“i don’t think there’s a strong enough relationship between the rfu and the clubs”
Rugby's demographic problem
Rugby faces an ageing demographic and needs to attract younger players.
“rugby’s also got an ageing demographic”
Jack Willis situation
Jack Willis, a French club captain, is not selected for England due to league restrictions.
“this guy has gone to the best club in france and not only is he playing regularly”
Henry Pollock hype
Henry Pollock, a 21-year-old player, is hyped by his agent for £1 million a year.
“pollock is a character and wow, he’s got talent”
Carling's past remarks
Carling criticized the RFU for not prioritizing players when he was captain.
“if the game is run properly as a professional game, you don’t need 57 old farts running rugby”
RFU's response
The RFU sacked Carling after he criticized the leadership structure.
“the senior players in his team told the blazers that none of them were prepared to step into his shoes”
Professional rugby shift
Rugby became professional in 1995 after pressure from media moguls.
“it was sheer panic, wasn’t it? carling says”
Carling's decision
Carling stepped down as captain after realizing he wasn't the right person for the role.
“with everything that had gone on in that last year, i realised i wasn’t the right guy anymore”
Carling's legacy
Carling captained England 59 times, winning Grand Slams in 1991, 1992, and 1995.
“carling was 30 and had captained his country a record 59 times, losing only 14”
Current challenges
England has won only two Grand Slams since Carling's era, with financial and selection issues.
“in the three decades since, england have managed two (2003 and 2016)”
Carling's advice
Carling says rugby needs to learn to fight for attention in a competitive market.
“rugby needs to learn it has to fight for attention”
Owen Farrell comparison
Carling comments on Owen Farrell stepping down for mental health reasons.
“i don’t think he was well enough protected”
Carling's conclusion
Carling believes rugby needs significant transformation to reach its potential.
“for me, it needs a significant transformation”
The one thing
Will Carling argues rugby remains underdeveloped with poor player selection and financial issues after 30 years.
