Great news and in my case poignant, my girlfriends uncle passed away recently and he was a HUGE union fan, i had many a good verbal joust over the 2 codes and he even slipped in a little dig in his eulogy. This one is for you Eric.

On the Union-League argument, I watched a couple of the Heineken cup games on Sky this weekend, and enjoyed them both.
What did strike me is that there was no abusive chanting from either fans, who also all showed a mutual respect in being silent for the kicks. A real appreciation of the game from all fans.

I explained to my 6 year old when I took him to the Scousers cup game that he might hear 'naughty words' which he should ignore, from Leeds or Scouser fans. I was right.

Somehow I doubt very much I would have to warn him similarly for a Union game.

And thats why League will allways come a distant second in the money making stakes, and catching new fans. Im sure McF has on numerous occassions said how much of a good craic at the Falcons he has, due in part to good food, good stadium and good people who are there for the game and not using the ground as a makeshift pub and/or kids dating agency.

Sadly (for RL), I can only agree.

RL seems to have deliberately set out its stall for the scuffers mass market, the same people who seem to haunt every "Two meals for a fiver" sort of estate pubs.

Some will be offended by that comment and call it "elitist", but its a simple truth and you only need to observe to see it nearly every week.

Its a fair point but I like the edge of RL as long as its channelled in a responsible way.

The Worcester games I have attended just don't seem to have it, in fact at times it doesn't feel like a sporting event, more a public viewing.