Club V Country

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On the prompting of Chris, and Syd Millar, here are my views on the Club V Country debate!
Firstly I thought it was incredibly inappropriate for the head of the IRB to make such an outburst, especially considering it's content! How one sided, how ill informed, how amateur!
Maybe a balanced opinion, outlining both sides of the argument and the ensuing offer of a hand in conciliation? maybe that would have been a little more appropriate, respectable and impressive?
I think what Syd Millar did was only emphasise the problem, and accentuate for the viewing public the rift that still lies between the amateur game and the new professional era! In his own foolish way, and contrary to his intent I think it highlighted the issue brilliantly, but from completely the other side of the fence!!
My view is that the RFU have still not come to terms with the professional concept. On or off the pitch.
They resent players making money, they resent the clubs making money and having any power or control in the game, and their belief is still that they should have complete control and ultimately players should still play for honour.
I still believe players can play with and for honour and be paid, just look at Martin Johnson.
The RFU were told to sign their top 40 players when the game went professional. By me !!! They refused, and the rest is history.
The clubs are far from perfect, and a few of their owners make you feel very uneasy, especially if you were in business with them, but nonetheless they have poured huge amounts of money into the development of the English game and players, and it is only right that they should be acknowledged.
I still believe that the dream of every rugby player is to play for his country. I know it was mine, and I know because of my father being in the army that I had no great allegiance to any town, but even so I still believe the ultimate for any boy growing up in Leicester of Bath is still to play for England. It is the ultimate and is still the shop window that primarily drives revenue, fan base, and media coverage.
It has to be nurtured, developed and placed as the primary objective of every Union.
BUT
Since the game has gone professional the clubs have played an increasing role in all those elements, and rightly deserve a corresponding say in how the game on the professional stage is run, managed and developed. They also own the players! Quite a key ingredient!
I might be naive, but i believe the issue can easily be sorted out. The RFU needs to offer the clubs a proper financial package for the loan of their players for chunks of the season. A package that would enable the clubs to recruit an understudy, who the RFU could even insist is English? That would then enable the clubs to carry on during the Six Nations, November period etc, instead of being penalised for having English players in their squad.
I honestly think it is a simple business deal and not a highly complicated one at that, as some would have us believe, which is why I am staggered that it has taken this long. It makes me strongly suspect that certain personnel within the RFU are determined that it will never happen. Why? Who the hell knows, but I am sure ego is a major player!!! As always!!!