Will going pro close class gap?

12:14pm Friday 29th February 2008

British Olympic gold medalist Chris Brasher, co-founder of the London Marathon, once said: "The only true amateurs in sport these days are those who are no good at it."

Perhaps those words were ringing in the ears of London Welsh head coach Martin Jones, who this week unveiled plans for the club to turn professional next season.

The Exiles have been treading water in National Division One as around them clubs have splashed the cash in a bid to reach the promised land of the Guinness Premiership.

Teams like Welsh and Esher have become increasingly reliant on loan signings and cast-offs from English rugby's top table to keep pace.

Yet they and their big-spending rivals lag behind National One leaders Northampton Saints by some margin. Will a simple move to professionalism close that gap?

One of the first rules of a successful business - which is what London Welsh will now become - is having a product people want to buy into.

With Premiership glamour boys Harlequins on their doorstep showcasing the cream of the English game in a state-of-the-art stadium, the Exiles will be up against it.

At present they offer an almost unique proposition in top-level sport -they are a throwback to a bygone era.

Spoil that and they risk losing the very thing that hardened fans may feel sets them apart from the rest.

An archaic ground - illegible for a facelift because of its position on Royal land - is a stark reminder of the obstacles they face.

Which again opens up the question of ground sharing at neighbours Brentford, who themselves live a hand-to-mouth existence in the light of competition from London's 11 other professional clubs.

Change should not be feared if it enhances the value of sport to its supporters, but that transition needs to be managed carefully - particularly with regards to the interests of other clubs in the area.

The quality of rugby on offer at Old Deer Park may not reach Premiership standards overnight.

But you only have to look at the success of London Scottish - who have benefited from Jones's rejects this season - to see progress can be made further down the ladder.

London Welsh may not be amateurs soon, but a mid-table finish this season would suggest they are already quite good at what they do.

Success on the pitch will be key if they are to truly shed their amateur status.

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