You know, I had a look at this from the perspective of a pro club a while back, and realistically, the numbers of kids you need playing the game regularly at 5 years old to sustain just one open age team is staggering.

The basic maths that me and a few other enlightened souls (ok, me and some mates in the pub at half time) came up with was that, to support 25 exceptional players making first grade (say 30% of the general population playing the game), with a 15% drop off in playing numbers from the age of 11 upwards, then the inevitable huge loss of playing staff at 16, say 40%.

Basically, to support a local players only pro team, say in the championship, you need about 10 000 kids or something ridiculous playing rugby league at age 5!

It was at this point, that someone mentioned south wales scorpions and how they are doing well. At this point we took our slice of humble pie and watched the game

Very few schools buy kits. They play in their PE tops so they wash them themselves. Much easier and ensures they fit!!

My school plays both as many many do. Not seen any scrum machines IIRC at any state comps in the last 6 years Ive been teaching.

Its not cost at all that determines what schools play. Its either tradition of the school, especially for the grammar schools or old grammar schools or it is the preference of the PE staff in the department.

Both the RFU and the RFL run their competitions for free unlike the FA who charge for comps entered. Doesnt hamper schools football - though the behaviour of footballers in general is damaging schools football massively

Chubbs you've got as much chance of seeing him at the game as Iolo.

could that be something to do with him not actually being a scorpions fan?

Surely not!!

We used to use the second XV for mauling practice


League is a better option for schools due to the scrum.......ie, insurance on kids packing down can't be cheap. I am sure there was a story a few years back about Harrow School looking at switching codes due to the whole neck injury thing.....