Roll-up Roll-up its Circus Time

50 years ago at Queens Belfast we had 1st,2A,2B,2C(Freshers)and 2D

All in a leagues

No Tv rugby in those days 

Cambridge still has collegiate rugby. But there is less than there was. I do not think any college has a 2nd XV and many  are now running combined sides.  This is a lot to do with the university taking in fewer public and grammar school boys and more comprehensive school students.

Though the some of the loss of men's sides is made up by the arrival of women's rugby. But with only just 30 members, it is one of the smaller CBs, but possibly the smallest.

Yes, there is still plenty of Colt's rugby taking place across the country. The academies aren't really an issue in terms of declining player numbers. Yes, some players leave because they don't get to the level they want, but in all reality, were they ever going to be content playing grassroots rugby?

There's probably more of an issue with young players being 'overloaded' with rugby - it isn't uncommon for 14/15/16 year olds to play/train 5/6 days a week during the September-December window, plus sevens in the spring term. It's a very 'local' issue in terms of co-ordination between schools, clubs CB's and organisers. 

As I approach my 70th year and started playing when 7 with full tackling, I know how modern game has changed. Memories.

The planet I inhabit is called the Real World, FHLH... obviously an alien planet from where you're sitting, so much so that you F- & blind when someone whose nostrils are more sensitive to the coffee points out how things are, rather than how you remember them from several decades ago.

For what it's worth I share some of your regret about modern-day 'yoof' being reluctant to commit to things (not just rugby), but that's how it comes across clearly to me, and I have quite strong connections with various clubs from levels 2-9. The level 9 club in question sat top of their league in mid-February, at which point half the back-line announced that they were going travelling & the run of impressive wins came to an abrupt halt...

Moseley were supposed to be playing Old Elthamians today, well we know what happened there.  But Moseley Oak then reached the semi final of the North Midlands Shield, and were to be at home to Camp Hill RFC.  The club set up all kinds of fun stuff for the kids and were presumably looking forward to the bar takings as two local clubs met; but Camp Hill conceded the game a couple of days ago, no reason stated but likely that they couldn't raise a team.  Nice for Oak to reach a final, but a shame that a fun day (in glorious sunshine as well) never happened.