In terms of its public image, rugby union has had another mixed calendar year. From low financial blows to the high court there remain well-documented off-field issues, thankfully mitigated by a World Cup full of compelling theatre. Rewatch the France v South Africa and Ireland v New Zealand quarter-finals and the best present any fan could wish for this Christmas would be more of the same.
What the game really really wants, though, is for the club game to be seen by more people. Not least all those floating voters who happily watch the Six Nations from the back of a packed pub yet rarely engage with the Champions Cup or the domestic leagues. If they were to watch a clip or two they might just find the modern product bears little resemblance to the old “kick and clap” stereotype some still love to cling to.
