Disharmony In The Valleys.

The transition from club to the regional structure in Wales has hit troubled waters with WRU boss David Moffett forced to intervene in the row between Ebbw Vale and Newport, the clubs who will merge to form new regional side, Gwent.

“It is the time for cool heads,” Moffett, is quoted as saying in yesterday’s Western Mail. “People have to remember a decision was made by all nine Premiership clubs in Wales and it was endorsed by the board of the WRU. I think there is a lot going on in Gwent but I have been advised there will be some meetings scheduled to take place over the next few days.
“Hopefully they will resolve their outstanding issues. It is terribly important, not only for Gwent rugby but Welsh rugby.”

Moffett is reported to be crtical of Newport chairman David Watkins who questioned the rugby knowledge of his Ebbw Vale counterpart, the Gwent director Marcus Russell.

Earlier this week Watkins said of Russell – the man behind pop group Oasis – “He might be a pop manager but he has no credibility as a rugby manager.”

In response Russell said, “Now is not the time for bickering. It is the time for positive, progressive action. I will not waver in my responsibility to play a part in setting up a new Gwent region.”

Meanwhile Bridgend backer Leighton Samuel is standing by to see how things unfold in Gwent and intends to make a bid to replace the regional side with a stand alone Brewery Field outfit. Bridgend are due to merge with Pontypridd and Samuel is determined that will go ahead unless Ebbw Vale and Newport fail to reach agreement, in which case he will put his club forward to take one the five places allocated to Wales for next season’s Celtic League and Heineken Cup competitions.

Moffett however, who set out the new blueprint, is not about to sit back and see all his hard work come to nothing, “It won’t fall apart – we are not going to sit back and let that happen.”