The Money or the Pure Joy?

We’re now at the pointy end of several sporting endeavours which are carried out by young men and women who I’m sure derive great pleasure from the games they participate in each week.

I don’t believe any of them are unimpressed by the bucketloads of cash that they earn on the job!

In my footballing days there was a very clear dividing line between those who played for money and the “true blues” who only played for the love of the game. Some distinguished the codes as “game for thugs played by gentlemen” and “game for gentlemen played by thugs”.

Money has come out in the open within the “union”, demonstrated in part by the brilliant Australian David Campese who played in Europe during the off season - it was suggested that he didn’t visit his familiy’s country of origin only to taste the pasta!

Money and sport create industries. Evolution since William Webb Ellis invented rugby has been a constant battle.

Money won the battle.