Ben Youngs, Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet all grew up in East Anglia yet the area has no professional club representation. Season ticket renewals for Norwich City are among the highest in England because it is a remote part of the country which has little other professional sport on offer. The RFU and Prem Rugby should be banging down the door of Sir James Dyson, the British inventor who grew up in the area but currently pumps his millions into the jersey sponsorship of Bath. ‘English rugby is desperate for money but it’s difficult to find investment because of the worry of relegation. We have seen London Irish, Wasps and Worcester fold under the financial pressures of professional sport but, after years of turmoil, there is an opportunity for new shoots to appear off the beaten path.

Source: Daily Mail February 28, 2026 14:02 UTC