Welsh Rugby – Breakup of the Union ?

Welsh Rugby – Breakup of the Union ?

Below is my Starter Post and Published in Pontypridd RFC Programme 28th Feb 2015

http://www.ponty.net/pontypridd-v-llandovery-matchday-magazine3

Former Wales and World Cup winning coach Graham Henry stated the following about the creation of a so called regional structure in Welsh rugby.

“How one of the franchise teams was not based in Pontypridd has always been a mystery to me. That enormous passion for the game in Wales seemed to me to have its backbone in the Valleys, and Pontypridd lead that.”

Well Graham – Nothing has changed. We are in 2015 and the Valleys are still the heart of Welsh rugby. Pontypridd and the Valleys are still a core, viable and real rugby region waiting for the mystery to be solved.

Follow Pontypridd RFC to away games in the B&I Cup and watch the shock and surprise of the English / Irish / Scots home supporters at the scale, noise and numbers of Valley Commandos entering their ground. The shock has turned to want as time after time fully pro teams are beaten by the Pont. This is a team with real soul.

A recent National Newspaper Poll asked why the current Welsh Rugby regional structure was not well supported. The poll results showed that the No 1 Issue was a lack of affinity. For most fans the playing ground of, having colours of and chanting the name of a city club, which also has a semi-pro team with the same name, is not what regional rugby is about. For others it is called the Great Welsh Rugby Lie.

Pontypridd and its Valleys supporters have no problem with affinity. We know what we are and what we stand for – We are Valleys people. We have a worldwide known brand and a landscape made for rugby. It is a national disgrace that the most regional Welsh team is not represented in the top tier of Welsh Rugby.

The English Championship clubs would be delighted to play Pontypridd on a regular basis. Games against London Welsh, London Scottish, Bristol, Worcester, Cornwall etc. would be well supported, create real investment, enhance TV monies and provide a huge boost to Welsh Rugby. We need a meritocracy based structure that would enable all clubs to get promoted and provide access to the top tier if entry requirements were met. It is a system that rewards success and not failure.

The alternative is almost unthinkable. A future with Pontypridd and other great clubs acting as feeder clubs to “regional A” teams in the B&I cup and Welsh football league type fixtures, in the Welsh Premiership, against important but local village sides.

We have come to a point of no return. The WRU has created a structure that divides, lacks affinity and is damaging our national game. Instead of a system that all clubs and fans can support we have a failing and broken backbone.

The WRU must decide.

Vote YES – To return to a real Union that all can support.

Vote NO – For a divided Union that can break up.

The End Game is here.

Owen Robins