PHILADELPHIA, PA – Our globe-trotting rugby savant, Johnathan Wicklow Barberie (holding red card), was able to catch up with the charming and refreshingly frank, Allan Robson, CEO of Aviva Premiership finalists, the Northampton Saints.
In a fast-moving exchange, the two talk about the controversial red card Saints captain Dylan Hartley received in the final for allegedly calling referee Wayne Barnes a “f*cking cheat,” and whether red cards are detrimental to the business of rugby.
Rory Best, Tom Youngs and the British and Irish Lions also make their way into the conversation – with labeled as, “one of the naughty lads.”
From there, they move on to the “uncomfortable” relationship between the RFU and the Aviva team owners, the real impact Relegation and Promotion has on teams, towns and fans.
But why not see for yourself? Here’s the piece.
As you can see from the interview, Mr. Robson not only shares JWB’s passion for the game but also his “mature” hair coloring and trust of specs to see things clearly. We’re not sure about you, but we can’t help but root for the Saints after meeting this admitted “football [soccer]” fan – despite that very admission.
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