ANGRY Northern officials have warned the Rugby Football Union that plans to centralise control of regional sides against touring teams are a recipe for disaster.

Fran Cotton, chairman of the North's playing sub-committee, has sent a letter to Twickenham outlining their strong opposition to any move to take over the Divisional team set-up.

"I think we should push as hard as we can to retain our Divisional matches," said Cotton.

"We must push to control them, to select and prepare the team and to cash in on the spirit and enthusiasm we've had in the past in the North.

"If we follow the line suggested we are following the line of disaster."

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