The Twickenham suits are also not averse to turning a blind eye when a conflict-of-interests is involved.
Perhaps the RFU’s performance director, Conor O’Shea, can explain why Steve Diamond has been retained as an RFU consultant on negotiations with the Championship clubs, at a remuneration of £20,000, while at the same time being appointed consultant director of rugby at Newcastle Falcons?

Rumours are rife that he secured the Newcastle post with the help of RFU patronage. The irony is that if promotion-relegation still applies, Diamond will almost certainly be facing life in the Champions...