The RFU are a nightmare - Barwell

Keith Barwell believes the RFU do not treat clubs with respect

Northampton Saints chairman Keith Barwell has accused the Rugby Football Union of being 'arrogant' and a 'nightmare' to deal with.

A new deal has been struck between the RFU and the Premiership, giving England more control of the top players.

But Barwell told BBC Radio Northampton that the RFU are not treating the clubs with enough respect.

"They are still in the amateur days," he said. "They don't realise that elite rugby has to be more professional."

Barwell admitted that the RFU did not approach Saints to talk with Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder about the post of Attacks Coach.

"The RFU are a nightmare," said Barwell. "In the end, I phoned them and asked them what the hell's happening, and we did sort it out a little bit.

"I'm a great Martin Johnson fan but he hasn't got very good teachers down there at the RFU. As quickly as possible, he needs to get some of the Nigel and Ruperts off his back."

One of Barwell's main recent complaints has been the delay in the publication of the coming season's fixture lists.

"We've known for three months that they'll be a clash between the Premiership and the Lions tour," said Barwell. "But it still hasn't be sorted out because the RFU are arrogant and don't give two hoots for the clubs.

"For us to have a good relationship with the RFU, they have to treat us with more respect."