Money up front

FORMER All-Black tight-head Craig Dowd made a very notable description of rugby props around the world by comparing them to fine wines in that they take time to mature.

Dowd’s ex-partner in the Test arena, Kees Meeuws, is living proof that props have a longer shelf life in the northern hemisphere than anywhere else in the world. There are reports that Meeuws had little hassle acquiring a £200,000 a year contract, as well as a house and car, at French club, Agen.

“There’s no doubt a tighthead prop is more valuable than any other player because there’s fewer of them of the right quality,” said Mike Burton, a leading player agent and veteran of England’s front row of the 1970s.