Region: a light in the fog?

The RFUW have responded very quickly to yesterday's piece about the senior regional trials.

Apparently:

• the trials are still "open" events - ie. anyone aged 18 or above may attend;
  
• some players on the RFUW mailing lists have been sent individual "automated" invitations - but this apparently does not mean anything special;
  
• they advise 18 year olds from "rushing in" to senior rugby and that they should discuss whether or not they should got to the trials with their coaches at club and county level; 
• finally, they clarify that a U18 selected for the senior regional squad cannot also play in the U18 squad (which is in all honesty no surprise and eminiently reasonable - though it was interesting that I could not find anything actually saying that in the more obvious sources - and I did look - hence my somewhat tongue-in-cheek comments).

It is really useful to have this clarification - but it has to be said that it would have been rather better if the above had appeared in the automated emails, because in no way do they read as if they are general circulars. If you doubt this then think how would you react to a personally addressed email that...

• begins by saying "The dates for the RFUW 2008/09 Regional Programme have now been set and we would like to invite you to register for the upcoming trials." 
• goes on to detail how to register and pay, 
• gives you your individual registration code, and
• finishes with "We look forward to seeing you there!"

No hint there about talking to club or county coaches about whether you are up to it (which surely would be a good idea for players of any age).