The study involved an extensive round of stakeholder interviews in order to ascertain the diverse visions many in the game have on the usage of a national centre, followed by an evaluation of potential sites around the country. The project is nearing completion at the time of writing, and its recommendations will be made to the management board during autumn 2007.

Looking towards the future, I am delighted that we have now reached an agreement with the premiership clubs which will cover all aspects of elite, professional rugby in England from July 2008 to 2016.