"I am sure we were not alone in being shocked and bemused at Sunday's reports because it is difficult to contemplate a move forward which does not feature the traditional club rugby strongholds and their many thousands of supporters.
"Leicester Tigers are opposed to RFU controlled franchising of the professional club game and the total central control of the players. The club game has never been stronger with record attendances and more games sold out than ever before. The improved financial and commercial strengths of the clubs have also enabled them to invest in developing their academies which has benefited England teams at all levels.
"We are reassured by Francis Baron's statement that the clubs are 'a central part of what should be a great future for the professional game' and Martyn Thomas, the RFU management board chairman, has been quoted as saying he sees the future revolving around existing clubs. We welcome those comments and now we must all find the best way to take this forward.
"In his letter to our shareholders in October, Martyn Thomas pointed out that the RFU strategic plan includes no mention of franchises as one of the Union's objectives. He said the RFU's prime objective as set out in the Strategic Plan was to 'secure a new agreement with Premier Rugby Limited on a new Long Form Agreement to resolve the outstanding club v country issues'. He added that 'any such agreement has to be beneficial to the whole game'.
"We agree wholeheartedly on that point. Working together is important as the professional club game moves towards the end of its current agreement and seeks a new agreement for the future.
"While we are pleased that the RFU are planning to consult us, and released their timetable for that process at Twickenham yesterday, we are amazed that the consultants have been involved with the RFU for over 6 months now and still, as of yet, have made no contact with us. We also have concerns that the brief and terms of reference of the RFU's consultants have not been discussed or agreed by any of the professional players or clubs who will be crucial to the outcome.
"This review is about the professional game in England. To have credibility, before it is exposed to wider consultation, we believe it must have the involvement of representatives of the professional game who play in and manage it successfully and who consistently have identified and developed international players.
"Leicester Tigers, its supporters, members, shareholders and sponsors, will do everything they can to ensure that the Tigers remain one of the top club sides in world rugby both on and off the field"
Peter Tom would also like to thank all of those supporters and members who have forwarded their views to him and the club.
