Andy Key: Rugby needs football style transfer window

Thursday 4 February 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Guinness Premiership > Leeds Carnegie

One of rugby union's top directors has suggested that the club game needs to take a leaf out of football's book and introduce a transfer window.

Leeds director of rugby, Andy Key, told BBC radio Leeds that a limited period to make transfers in would benefit clubs throughout the competition, especially for those at the bottom of the league.

"A window would certainly help clubs like us. It's difficult to sign players now because we can't say for sure what league we'll be in next season," he said.

The Carnegie man added that at present, it is difficult for clubs like Leeds, who are fighting against relegation, to attract players because most have committed their futures elsewhere by the end of the season.

In other rugby news, Lee Byrne has had his ban overturned after a three-man committee decided the original ruling was "erroneous" and instead gave him a €5,000 (£4,400) fine.