Six Nations paywall would cut cord to thousands of fans rugby depends on

Taking live audiences for granted in return for £300m is a huge gamble for a sport with a skinny link to the publicSometimes we overlook the fragility of the thread connecting rugby with the public. It is not a sport that necessarily appeals to everyone, even if they do have a vague grasp of the laws. For some it is too brutal and painful to watch in comfort; if you have never played there are plenty of reasons to doubt the sanity of those who do. You don’t get cauliflower ears playing badminton.It is also a sport heavily reliant on its heritage and history. England against Wales on Saturday w…