However , the rugby union authorities refused to sanction a nationwide tournament , fearing that this would inevitably lead to professionalism .
The clubs that formed the Northern Union had long been playing in local knock - out cup competitions under the auspices of the Rugby Football Union .
The rugby union authorities refused to sanction a nationwide tournament , fearing that this would inevitably lead to professionalism .
The clubs that formed the Northern Union had long been playing in local knock - out cup competitions under the auspices of the Rugby Football Union .