Vox Pop: As rugby union prepares for a new season, who should be running the sport?

ALLAN BATEMAN

Welsh international

The thing that keeps the game running is the international fixture list. But there is so much money being put in by entrepreneurs that they expect a fair bit of control. They are not just going to let the Union run things. But if the owners had total control it would be to the detriment of the game and the international teams. If the big bosses say they are not going to release their players then the game will quickly fold up. So there has to be a governing body that operates between the investors and the Unions.

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO

England captain

The governing body should run the sport. It has done so since the game's inception and that obviously has to continue. But since the game has turned professional and clubs have taken up the challenge of making themselves professional and improving the standards of rugby then they have a huge part to play. I don't think for one minute they are trying to run the international game. What they are after is a bit of autonomy, but that must always be under the umbrella of the RFU.

PETER DEAKIN

Saracens marketing director

I think everything should come under the auspices of the RFU, the England side, the rules, the regulations. However, the professional clubs should have a degree of self-governance. The model is football where the FA retains overall control, but the Premiership runs itself, and has negotiating rights for sponsorship and broadcasting contracts. We need to go that way as well, because ultimately the clubs will be the cutting edge of everything that happens commercially in the sport in this country.

JOHN GALLAGHER

Harlequins rugby director

They need to set up a new body that incorporates the four Home Unions - an International Board, if you like - for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It would include every facet of the professional and amateur games. The priorities would be: international, professional clubs, counties and finally amateur clubs. The body would dictate policy for the whole lot. Both sides would have an equal responsibility for commercial matters. We are talking about Utopia here, though.

ASHLEY LEVETT

Richmond owner

I think the RFU should look after the rules, regulations and supply of referees. I also think the international game is their preserve. I and the other owners have no aspirations to get involved in the international game. But I think the clubs are better placed to create a viable game. Clubs need to control their television contracts and other avenues, such as creating meaningful tournaments. I think a British League is definitely the way to go. I feel the people would love to see one.

MALCOLM PEARCE

Bristol chairman

I don't go along with the view that we should chuck out the old guard. I think the present system is fine. The structure has been built up over a long time. Whether the right people are within it is another matter. But I do not think radical change is necessary. We have had two years of pain and the RFU should have realised by now that perhaps all is not well. They should recognise the costs in running Division One and Two rugby are unsustainable.

INTERVIEWS: DAVID LLEWELLYN