Players are richer but rugby union is poorer with countries of convenience | Paul Rees

Players are on the move because of the money sloshing around the northern hemisphere but World Rugby is pondering change as concerns grow over the game’s integrity at international level • World Cup winner Ali Williams warns over southern hemisphere exodusWorld Rugby is considering a crackdown on country clubs. The lure of French rugby has become so strong in recent years that Toulon have come to resemble a World XV, Premiership sides will be allowed a second marquee player from next season – ahead of an accelerated rise in the salary cap – and sides in the Pro12 are looking to join the spree.…