Room 101: Brian Smith – London Irish Director of Rugby

1. Rugby Administration
Why does a professional game have amateur match officials with no system of reward or a level of transparency and accountability? We've had the best part of 20 years to get it right in the professional era yet we still endure a system that's not fit for purpose. The fans and players deserve better, especially when the outcome of something like one in four matches is decided by referee decisions. We have one of the most technical, if not the most technical games on the planet and this should be reflected in how we go about recruiting referees. More should be done to get former players back into the game in my opinion.
TRP verdict: Take a trip to the sin bin, not Room 101, for daring to question officialdom!
2. The Ashes
Right now the Aussie cricket team are firing with the Ashes series wrapped up with two Tests  to go. So, as an Australian, you might find it strange that I'd do away with cricket's ultimate prize. What's behind my thinking? Well, having grown up in an era when the baggy green cap was a symbol of sporting dominance, just as the All Blacks jersey is viewed in rugby, I find it hard to accept that is no longer the case. Yes, we're on top right now, but how long will that last? There are certainly no guarantees, like there were in the past, and, to be honest, I could do without copping all the flak you get as an Aussie living in London when we do have a bad day at the office.
TRP verdict:  We're completely stumped over this one.
3. Sports Agents
When it boils down to it, sports agents earn more when they ship players to France or when they move players from one club to another. They're driven by commission with very few of them actually managing their players careers. Agents generally take 10 per cent of transfer deals and 5 per cent if players stay loyal and re-sign. You figure out which route most take! A good agent is a rare breed; many act like used car salesmen.
TRP verdict: It's a deal! You can motor on in to Room 101.