Last night was very interesting. Matt Diskin, James Lowes, John Bastian and Karl Harrison were all there and all came over as very enthusiastic.

Some points:

We won't be taking any players on loan from other clubs next year without giving the U19s a go first.

We have no intention of going into dual reg with a SL club. "We are not a feeder club" said Lowes. We may look at dual reg with a Champ 1 club but there didn't seem to be much enthusiasm. All the coaches wanted to keep players in the Bulls environment.

All the coaches wanted to see the game bring in a U23s or "A" team level to the game. Players are being cut by clubs at 19 years which is too young. Many are lost to the game at a time when player participation is falling. Bringing in an A team or U23s would cost more but they think it would be better for the sport. Players in 1st team squads not in the starting 17 would have a chance to get back in and not suffer the ignominy of having to play with the kids. Similarly kids could learn under the wing of older heads and forwards be allowed the time they need to develop maturity physically and mentally that many dpn't have at 19.

All the coaches spoke about how playing A team rugby allowed them to make a progression. Dual reg isn't well thought of.

John B said he is very keen to work with Bullbuilder and had a number of ideas for how we might help with the "extras" for the academy. We are looking at putting on things like weekend events away to team build, equipment, kit etc.

Matt D said the current U19s are extremely enthusiastic and he is building a strong culture. Many are well under 19 and short of physical maturity but he thinks they'll come good as they all have strong attitudes.

There was a lot made of culture and building a system like Leeds have had and the Bulls had in the late 90s and early 00s. Lowes mentioned how Leeds only gained real success when they stopped being a "buying" club and became a club that nurtured their own.

There was lots more too. When I remember it I'll post again. Unless anyone else wants to add.

Sounds like a decent night.

It was. More people there would have been good - we had about 40 - but those who went found it interesting and informative. I'll try to write a review for the website shortly, but I'll be relying on memory, given that I was chairing and didn't have chance to make notes.

Enjoyable evening and I found it interesting to learn a bit more about the coaching and structures at our club.

Sounds good!

Reading the initial report from Bullseye regarding dual reg, the fact they want players to stay "in house" reinforces my view that Jimmy is going to ring the changes in order to keep players fresh and give game time to the whole squad. I think the view from the coaches about a revamped 'A' team or U23 league chimes in with what coaches at other clubs have said. I definitely agree with them and hope club chairmen will see the sense and vote for it, though there is a financial cost involved so it's not a given by any means. If players of the stature of Jamie Peacock, who let's not forget was a 'late developer', were coming through in this era he would most likely have been 'cut' from the squad before he made his first team debut. The current system is a nonsense.

Karl Harrison used JP as a specific example . Karl was with the Bulls at the time . It was clear that all the coaches believed the RFL should pay for or at least subsidise a reserve competition out of the current surpluses they are amassing. As someone said "the game is getting smaller " when it should be growing.

I think 'amassing' is maybe a bit of an exaggeration.

I think 'amassing' is one of those wonderful words which can be construed how you like or, at least, as far your accountant will be believed!

More detailed summary here.

More detailed summary here.