The new 15-month cap will have a bigger impact on lower and middle rank workers, most vulnerable in the next round of job losses.

This was usually done when the card shown was of a middle rank, such as a seven, eight or nine.

The family was not of exalted origin, representing the middle rank of society.

So life in sport's middle ranks will be tough as sponsorship renewals are fiercely haggled over.

Some dedicated service personnel are leaving before they can be hit by the deal which will affect middle ranks the most.