Moffet is still a Genius

First topic message reminder :

I'm talking about David Moffet, not Moffets Ghost. He gives his view on changing the Regional set-up which we all know is in need of change.

He calls for Welsh players going abroad to be banned from playing for Wales, mirroring what already happens in New Zealand and Australia.

Moffett outlined his views on the state of the Welsh game as French vultures continue to hover over our best Grand Slam talent and the regional game is facing something of a financial crisis.

It was a decade ago that Moffett and his WRU bosses changed the landscape of the domestic game by replacing the leading club sides with the Ospreys, Blues, Scarlets, Dragons and defunct Celtic Warriors.

None of the regions have cracked Europe and appear less likely to do so, given the loss of so much leading talent.

He continued: “Here are three strategies that I think would work to address this threat to Welsh rugby.

“First, the WRU could create four genuine Welsh rugby provinces and divest some of the centralised functions to them.

“Secondly, the WRU and money-men could jointly own the provincial teams on a 50-50 basis. Thirdly, as the WRU and provincial teams would jointly own the players’ contracts, central contracting becomes superfluous. Players who play outside Wales would not be selected for the national side.

“My reasons for suggesting this course of action are simple. Every Great Big Idea (GBI) has its day.

“Perhaps the shelf time of regional rugby is nearing its ‘use by’ date. What was right in 2003 may not be appropriate almost 10 years on."

The article can be accessed here: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/04/21/david-moffett-calls-for-urgent-change-to-rescue-regional-rugby-in-wales-91466-30804407/

I quite like his idea. No doubt he attracts some hatred for pushing through 'regionalism' but if he didn't then nobody would have.

If we just pick Welsh based players: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, Davies, Roberts, North, Priestland, L.Williams - Faletau, Warburton, Lydiate, AWJ, Evans, A.Jones, Rees, Bevington.

James, Owens, Rees/Buck, R.Jones, Webb, Biggar, S.Williams.

So what are the WRU waiting for? Enforce this after the Australia tour.

Morgannwg wrote:

I just meant the name Cardiff. Of course the market is there, so it makes sense to keep the majority of games in Cardiff but they also need to take steps to embrace this conept we are discussing. Actually you'll find the only time the valleys supported you is when you played Gloucester/Leicester in the HC. You wouldn't have got that many without them, I doubt it anyway.

The name "Cardiff" is essential and means everything.
I know what steps Cardiff need to take and it has naff all to do with appearing to be regional.
Cardiff has ALWAYS had support from valleys folk and beyond.

Morgannwg wrote:They do generally make up their own mind.
I believe both Ponty and Cardiff were told that would now become one. Surely you of all people know this. If Blues were half owned by the WRU I for one believe the Union would sort out the current mess they are in.

You don't know much do you. The chief exec back then said it was nonsense when questioned about a Cardiff/Ponty merger.

Dave, you have even stated on here before that when the Warriors disbanded people in Ponty were told to go and support the WRU. Which is essentially what happened as they became a Blues feeder club. So are you going back on your own word?

Morgannwg wrote:Dave, you have even stated on here before that when the Warriors disbanded people in Ponty were told to go and support the WRU. Which is essentially what happened as they became a Blues feeder club. So are you going back on your own word?

No idea what you are on about i'm afraid.

replace WRU with Cardiff Blues. I'm not sure how I wrote that .