Wales Game in Crisis

In Wales – A Blueprint for Rugby.

The so-called ‘Gang of Six’ clubs, Bridgend, Cardiff, Llanelli, Newport, Pontypridd and Swansea, have presented their blueprint for the future of the game in Wales to the Welsh Rugby Union.

The six have formed a venture company called Rugby Partnership Wales Limited and have published a document entitled @Partnership and Professionalism for a Vibrant and Viable Game’ in which they demand a Premier Division of six clubs from next season. That of course means no place at the top table for the likes of Neath, Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly. WRU Secretary Dennis Gethin said in a statement: “The Welsh Rugby Union today (Tuesday) received a document from six of the Premier Division clubs outlining their proposals for the future structure of the professional game in Wales. These proposals follow hot on the heels of discussions between the WRU and the elected members of the nine Premier Division clubs. Concern over the future of the professional game in Wales, its structure and finance, is shared by both sides of the joint management board, which was set up this season to represent the club game at the highest level.”

” Discussions between all parties will continue through the agreed channel of the joint management board. The WRU wants nothing more than a strong, vibrant and financially viable professional game in Wales and will continue to work with all its clubs to find the right solution.”