Dragons Thread

by Morgannwg Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 15:09

I'm posting a thread on the poorer team of Wales out of genuine concern, plus seeing as I now live outside of Newport I will not be hearing many updates. Let us use this resource to post updates.

So to begin, I'll say I am generally concerned about where the Dragons team is going. The only way is up 'n all that and it looks like we will continue to fall further down. Squad depth remains an issue, mostly in the forwards. Let's say the Blues pull of some of the miraculous rumourered signings, bringing back Gethin Jenkins and bringing in Matthew Rees. Their front 5 will be of international standard plus good replacements at 2 and 3. The Ospreys have an international standard front 5, and have recruited well lately in this area. The Scarlets now have an international stadnard front 5, through their recruitment and own development. Plus they're less hard hit by international call-ups now with these signings. Even on an international weekend the packs of these 3 teams could compete with and beat the Dragons pack. This leaves the struggling Dragons to struggle even more.

The team looks good in the backs but a pack being shoved backwards and leaky defence is letting them down. A home game against the Dragons is now virtually a guaranteed 5 points. Leinster 2nds, Munster, Glasgow and Treviso have all thrashed the Dragons. Ulster did them over at RP well and good. So seeing as the Dragons are '50% owned' by the WRU should they be stepping in with some subsidiaries (IE, players)? As I suspect, no, because we've always been the most disliked in Wales. But to look at the bigger picture Wales could do with four competitve teams. If the Dragons were a better, more competitve Region they could develop more players, develop them better and possibly be attractive to players and sponsorship outside of Gwent/Wales; thus allowing them to be a long-term sustainable model.

A good start would be keeping onto the best players, like Lydiate and Faletau. It's a shame Charteris left because we could really use his help. At one point we had four internationals in the pack but one retired due to heart problems and the other went to the South of France. I would say this certainly hindered any progress. Would the Region accept dual-contracts?

Last but not least, Edwards. The guy came on to the scene looking like a promising and innovative coach. Now we've found out he is just an idiot. What on earth was he thinking when he rotated his squad against Munster and at the beginning of the ACC? Now he just looks clueless in post-match interviews and that must surely be the way his coaching technique is. But I suppose there's then the case of who else would want to try and turn around the misfortune.

So I think, unless the WRU stepped in we'll become worse than Connacht when they were formerly the development province.

by Stone Motif Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 16:27

So we've got one region out of three that is almost perennially the bottom of the pile.

The same region is the one that is 50% held in trust by the WRU. None of the others are. The other region who did have such a hefty involvement from the Union went the way of the dodo a bit lively.

And you reckon the solution is GREATER involvement from the WRU?

by Morgannwg Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 17:14

What other solution do you see? But it does baffle me that they haven't stepped in sooner when we're apparently 50% owned by the union.

by Stone Motif Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 17:24

Morgannwg wrote:What other solution do you see? But it does baffle me that they haven't stepped in sooner when we're apparently 50% owned by the union.

Why? Weak regions suits their agenda.

by Morgannwg Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 18:34

What's this fantasy? I think the Autumn series might have been the kick up the ass they needed, I hope so anyway. We should know by christmas.

by Stone Motif Tue 4 Dec 2012 - 18:40

What fantasy? What have the WRU done in ten years to strengthen regional rugby?

Flog the best players to pay off the stadium debt (aka line Roger's pockets via his bonuses)
Negotiate a mickey-mouse TV deal
Shamelessly fleece the benefactors for the life-support given to the pro tier
Funding pro teams to a far lesser extent than any other major NH nation

Would they get away with any of that if the regions were as strong as say the English clubs, you reckon

by munkian Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 11:03

WRU TO SET UP NEW PROFFESIONAL RUGBY BOARD

by Kingshu Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 12:09

Honestly I posted on another thread that its dark times for Dragons fans, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel, just survival each season and watching the best players leave doesn't do much to attract supporters.

However could the WRU look to do for Dragons what the IRFU did for Connacht, install a Profesional Buiness board, marketing exc, etc etc, it has really turned Connacht around, where being a Connacht fan you can see the team building for the future.

What I can't understand is Dragon recieve £1.2 player payments and about £3 million for tv rights and things, from WRU have they acamady paid for and are still always poor?

by Shifty Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 20:51

The Dragons are basically what the other regions would be if the benefactors didn't put their own money into it. Their unable to hold onto their best players and are asset stripped any time their players contracts are due to expire.

by maestegmafia Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 21:50

Would be a shame. They are a much loved region, great fans, great atmosphere everyone else's second club.

by Guest Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 22:02

Kingshu wrote:Honestly I posted on another thread that its dark times for Dragons fans, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel, just survival each season and watching the best players leave doesn't do much to attract supporters.

However could the WRU look to do for Dragons what the IRFU did for Connacht, install a Profesional Buiness board, marketing exc, etc etc, it has really turned Connacht around, where being a Connacht fan you can see the team building for the future.

What I can't understand is Dragon recieve £1.2 player payments and about £3 million for tv rights and things, from WRU have they acamady paid for and are still always poor?

This is what I really don't get, and I'd love some clarity on this. Edwards has said a few times that our wage bill is around £2m and that we can't afford any more. Where does the rest of the money go??? Do we not get the £3m TV rights? Do we not get the academy paid for? It just doesn't make sense. If Kingshu's figures are to be believed then we'd have similar funding to the English Prem clubs, but look at our players compared to theirs.

Can anyone answer this conundrum?

by glamorganalun Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 22:29

Just look at the sponsors, most clubs/regions have big sponsors and a number of sponsors. The Dragons have a small discount tyre company as their main sponsor based in Newport/Cwmbran. A Newport based company sponsors the Blues, why, because the Dragons is a micky mouse outfit with zero ambition, no exposure in the HC and no business plan also they are based in a run down town (I struggle to call it a City) most people avoid.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 23:26

Stone Motif wrote:So we've got one region out of three that is almost perennially the bottom of the pile.

The same region is the one that is 50% held in trust by the WRU. None of the others are. The other region who did have such a hefty involvement from the Union went the way of the dodo a bit lively.

And you reckon the solution is GREATER involvement from the WRU?

Agreed SM and it's baffling that some cant see any similarities between the Celtic Warriors and Newport Drags.
Saying that I hope that recent events will urge those who really care about Newport Drags to do something about it ie take the 50% away from the WRU.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 5 Dec 2012 - 23:38

glamorganalun wrote:Just look at the sponsors, most clubs/regions have big sponsors and a number of sponsors. The Dragons have a small discount tyre company as their main sponsor based in Newport/Cwmbran. A Newport based company sponsors the Blues, why, because the Dragons is a micky mouse outfit with zero ambition, no exposure in the HC and no business plan also they are based in a run down town (I struggle to call it a City) most people avoid.

Give Newport Drags a free reign and I reckon they'll do alright.

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 5:44

Shifty wrote:The Dragons are basically what the other regions would be if the benefactors didn't put their own money into it. Their unable to hold onto their best players and are asset stripped any time their players contracts are due to expire.

Would that include the £5m given to the Dragons by Tony Brown and Martin Hazell to build the Bisley stand then? The actual difference is that the Dragons board have got more sense than to get in a Wee weeing contest to keep top players/subsidise Roger's bonuses. The infrastructure investment made is likely to see the Dragons turn a profit this season as Dave Parade is open for business 7 days a week.

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 5:54

glamorganalun wrote:Just look at the sponsors, most clubs/regions have big sponsors and a number of sponsors. The Dragons have a small discount tyre company as their main sponsor based in Newport/Cwmbran. A Newport based company sponsors the Blues, why, because the Dragons is a micky mouse outfit with zero ambition, no exposure in the HC and no business plan also they are based in a run down town (I struggle to call it a City) most people avoid.

Not this simple minded cattle's business again. The logo might look like a big yellow glamorgan alun but you haven't got the foggiest how much they paid to sponsor the Dragons. They are also one of the fastest growing companies in Wales and they don't help governments bomb kids in the bargain. EADS coming to Newport was a Welsh Government bribe and they say they're based in Cardiff anyway. So, never mind the fact the Dragons are also sponsored by several other large companies, on to your next non point. Would the everyone who avoids Newport include the 145,000 residents, 30,000 daily commuters plus thousands more leisure visitors to the city? Talk sense or bugger off back to Ponty.

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 6:05

Kingshu wrote:Honestly I posted on another thread that its dark times for Dragons fans, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel, just survival each season and watching the best players leave doesn't do much to attract supporters.

However could the WRU look to do for Dragons what the IRFU did for Connacht, install a Profesional Buiness board, marketing exc, etc etc, it has really turned Connacht around, where being a Connacht fan you can see the team building for the future.

What I can't understand is Dragon recieve £1.2 player payments and about £3 million for tv rights and things, from WRU have they acamady paid for and are still always poor?

Honestly if I see someone suggesting greater WRU involvement as the solution to anything one more time a small mushroom cloud may appear over Risca. You do realise Tony Brown took Newport from the pits of Welsh rugby to being one of the most commercially successful and best attended clubs in the UK? You do also realise that between corporate facilities and the tenancy of Newport County the Dragons are likely to turn a small profit this year? And your solution is to install some WRU stooges, following the ten years where the WRU have systematically worked to dismantle rugby in Gwent. Lets took at the Dragons main issues. The rubbish academy - WRU. The decade of procrastinating with half the region preventing investment - WRU. Yep let's let them have even more control, that's the answer, they've certainly shown they can manage a long term, sustainable sports franchise with Team Wales...

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 6:12

Griff wrote:
What I can't understand is Dragon recieve £1.2 player payments and about £3 million for tv rights and things, from WRU have they acamady paid for and are still always poor?

This is what I really don't get, and I'd love some clarity on this. Edwards has said a few times that our wage bill is around £2m and that we can't afford any more. Where does the rest of the money go??? Do we not get the £3m TV rights? Do we not get the academy paid for? It just doesn't make sense. If Kingshu's figures are to be believed then we'd have similar funding to the English Prem clubs, but look at our players compared to theirs.

Can anyone answer this conundrum? [/quote] Well Griff, for starters how do you think we get a squad of thirty players and coaches, plus equipment and kit, from one end of Europe to the other to fulfil the fixtures in this nonsense league? Walk?

by Guest Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 8:45

Stone Motif wrote:
Griff wrote:
What I can't understand is Dragon recieve £1.2 player payments and about £3 million for tv rights and things, from WRU have they acamady paid for and are still always poor?

This is what I really don't get, and I'd love some clarity on this. Edwards has said a few times that our wage bill is around £2m and that we can't afford any more. Where does the rest of the money go??? Do we not get the £3m TV rights? Do we not get the academy paid for? It just doesn't make sense. If Kingshu's figures are to be believed then we'd have similar funding to the English Prem clubs, but look at our players compared to theirs.

Can anyone answer this conundrum?

Well Griff, for starters how do you think we get a squad of thirty players and coaches, plus equipment and kit, from one end of Europe to the other to fulfil the fixtures in this nonsense league? Walk? [/quote]

No need to be aggro Stone, I'm generally with you on most Dragons debates. Not a morning person???

My point was that, if figures are to be believed (and we've not got much info to go on), then we're spending about £3m on 'other' stuff. If the transport and accommodation costs for the Dragons is bigger than the wage bill then something is wrong. I'm asking as I'm interested, not because I'm pointing the finger. I think we've been the region best run financially, in that we've not squandered money and needed a bail out. We haven't spent beyond our means. Yet we're lambasted for that and see as having 'no ambition'. No ambition to go bust, yes. But clubs can't just spend and spend and hope everything will be OK.

So, back to the point. All I wonder is how other clubs do it? The English premiership wage cap is around £4m. How do they make ends meet if we can't? Is it to do with marketing revenue and gate receipts being much higher than ours? Is that what allows them to pay for travel and accommodation so they don't 'have to walk', as you put it. You can't predict marketing and gate receipts so it would be risky to base your ability to travel on that, but maybe the prem clubs have more in the coffers to fall back on? How do Connacht do it? Marketing and gate receipts - no idea what there's are like, but I guess as gates are lower than ours they wouldn't be bringing as much in. How do they afford to travel?

Genuine interest in MY region, and a desire not to be shut down and to finds answers to the reasons why we can't afford and/or attract a healthy sized, star studded squad if the money coming in is the same as elsewhere. That's all Stone.

by Kingshu Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 9:51

I can't back figure but it has been put on other threads Dragons recieve the £1.6 million for International player from WRU, plus I think it was £2.5 million, thats the Europe/pro12 prize money tv etc) have acamady paid for

and then generate thier own income from attendance/merchandise/sponsorship etc

I just can't work out why Dragons then cannot afford a better squad?

and why the other Welsh regions say they are poor?

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 9:59

No, not a morning person. But try telling that to an 8-week old who's hungry...

I think the answer is that the 4 or 5 million we get coming in is it. That is all we have to run on. The benefactors put money into the ground (i.e. Rodney Parade Ltd - sensibly imo) but the Dragons run on what they earn. Now we can either bring our spending up to the level of the rest (as I believe we have been prepared to do for the right players only for them to take the lucre elsewhere) and let all the junior rugby and community stuff ,some bone head will be along shortly to tell us we don't do slide, or we have to cannibalise the playing budget. Add in the ludicrous waste of money that is involved in the travel and imo you can quite easily see where the money goes.

Ticket sales, as per 99% of British rugby clubs, are an irrelevance in the big picture. The game runs on tv money and the generosity of wealthy men.

by Kingshu Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 10:09

Not trying to sound partonising, but do you think their is a gulf opening between the Provinces and Regions.

Ospreys and Scarlets are up there at present but with generally bigger crowds, central contracts and more investment from IRFU than the regions get, do you think a gulf is being created? and what can the regions do to close it?

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 10:22

Kingshu wrote:I can't back figure but it has been put on other threads Dragons recieve the £1.6 million for International player from WRU, plus I think it was £2.5 million, thats the Europe/pro12 prize money tv etc) have acamady paid for

and then generate thier own income from attendance/merchandise/sponsorship etc

I just can't work out why Dragons then cannot afford a better squad?

and why the other Welsh regions say they are poor?

Because what they earn is not enough! The Welsh regions recieve less central funding than any other teams in Europe. Ticket sales, merchandise etc is irrelevant. If you haven't got wealthy benefactors ready to buy a squad forget it, surely you as an Ulster fan understand this? And please let this business about the Academy go. If I said I'd buy you a car and gave you a wheelbarrow, that'd pretty much be what the WRU do when they 'fund the regional academies'

by Kingshu Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 10:58

by wealthy benefactors do you mean Rory McIlroy? Very Happy

All the Provinces are well supported by IRFU, Scottish teams are now well supported by SRU, think the Italian teams do well from FIR.

It's just the WRU that holds back and does not support the regions to the same level the others do.

I've said for a while now that IMO the WRU cannot support strong regions and a strong Welsh Prem (while WRU fund regions less than other unions do, they fund the domestic league better than others).

I think that for the WRU to invest more in regions the Welsh Prem will have to lose out.

Lot of Welsh fans don't want a weakened Welsh Prem, but I think its reaching the point that the WRU will have to chose one over the other.

by Stone Motif Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 11:55

You're right, of course, but the WRU aren't stupid. Their power derives from the clubs who are never going to vote for a reduction in what is effectively the top tier of rugby they can attain.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 13:08

You'd think this was obvious after the news Dan Lydiate's leaving, but it still merits an article on the Beeb:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20615380

by Guest Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 18:01

Heard from a reliable source that the destination will be France. Getting in the big bucks before he gets injured out of the game maybe? He's had some pretty major injuries already for a 24 year old so I don't blame him if he wants to get a big pay day while the offer is on the table and he's still physically able. Can see him retired before 30, unfortunately.

by glamorganalun Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 19:18

Stone Motif wrote:
glamorganalun wrote:Just look at the sponsors, most clubs/regions have big sponsors and a number of sponsors. The Dragons have a small discount tyre company as their main sponsor based in Newport/Cwmbran. A Newport based company sponsors the Blues, why, because the Dragons is a micky mouse outfit with zero ambition, no exposure in the HC and no business plan also they are based in a run down town (I struggle to call it a City) most people avoid.
Not this simple minded cattle's business again. The logo might look like a big yellow glamorgan alun but you haven't got the foggiest how much they paid to sponsor the Dragons. They are also one of the fastest growing companies in Wales and they don't help governments bomb kids in the bargain. EADS coming to Newport was a Welsh Government bribe and they say they're based in Cardiff anyway. So, never mind the fact the Dragons are also sponsored by several other large companies, on to your next non point. Would the everyone who avoids Newport include the 145,000 residents, 30,000 daily commuters plus thousands more leisure visitors to the city? Talk sense or bugger off back to Ponty.

I was just explaining why other regions have more money through sponsorship of large companys not a businrss run from a scrap yard. You are very misinformated about EADS and the history of the comapny in NEWPORT formally known as Notel and STC one of the sites back onto Rodney Parade i.e., almost in Cardiff. Again your insults show what sort of person you are.

by Morgannwg Thu 6 Dec 2012 - 20:42

I can see where people think the lsck of ambition comes from, that's Darran Edwards though, not the team.

Were they going to ask the WRU to dual contract Dan and Toby? Or was I just reading somebody's suggestion on here.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 7:51

glamorganalun wrote:I was just explaining why other regions have more money through sponsorship of large companys not a businrss run from a scrap yard.

Do you know for a fact that the other regions are getting more money through sponsorship, or is it just an assumption?

by Stone Motif Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 10:29

glamorganalun wrote:
I was just explaining why other regions have more money through sponsorship of large companys not a businrss run from a scrap yard. You are very misinformated about EADS and the history of the comapny in NEWPORT formally known as Notel and STC one of the sites back onto Rodney Parade i.e., almost in Cardiff. Again your insults show what sort of person you are.

You were just clogging up another Dragons thread with your unique line of fantasy, assumption and playschool economics born of your bitterness Ponty can't sustain a region. If Discount Tires are offering us such a pittance why was the sponsorship preferred to the six-figure sum Tony Brown was paying to get Bisley on the jumper? Utter nonsense from you.

by Shifty Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 17:19

Morgannwg wrote:I can see where people think the lsck of ambition comes from, that's Darran Edwards though, not the team.

Were they going to ask the WRU to dual contract Dan and Toby? Or was I just reading somebody's suggestion on here.

the wru offered to centrally contract the players and regions refused the offer. the basic problem is the regions sign a contract then mid way start moaning for more money. I think the wru have had a guts full of it now, the wru only brought in the 4th november international because the regions wanted more money. sadly this handicaps the regions in the heinaken cup.

by Stone Motif Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 18:13

Shifty wrote:
Morgannwg wrote:I can see where people think the lsck of ambition comes from, that's Darran Edwards though, not the team.

Were they going to ask the WRU to dual contract Dan and Toby? Or was I just reading somebody's suggestion on here.

the wru offered to centrally contract the players and regions refused the offer. the basic problem is the regions sign a contract then mid way start moaning for more money. I think the wru have had a guts full of it now, the wru only brought in the 4th november international because the regions wanted more money. sadly this handicaps the regions in the heinaken cup.

Hang on this is the same WRU that funds their pro sides less than anyone else in Europe. The regions might have been foolish signing the current participation agreement but the money has to come from somewhere. Frankly, the offer from the WRU is a shambles both because a) it would involve the regions losing what little control they have left of their best assets and b) Roger's precious PWC report came right out and said the WRU couldn't afford it in the first place! How anyone can take the side of the WRU is beyond me.

by Stone Motif Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 18:14

Shifty wrote:
Morgannwg wrote:I can see where people think the lsck of ambition comes from, that's Darran Edwards though, not the team.

Were they going to ask the WRU to dual contract Dan and Toby? Or was I just reading somebody's suggestion on here.

the wru offered to centrally contract the players and regions refused the offer. the basic problem is the regions sign a contract then mid way start moaning for more money. I think the wru have had a guts full of it now, the wru only brought in the 4th november international because the regions wanted more money. sadly this handicaps the regions in the heinaken cup.

Hang on this is the same WRU that funds their pro sides less than anyone else in Europe. The regions might have been foolish signing the current participation agreement but the money has to come from somewhere. Frankly, the offer from the WRU is a shambles both because a) it would involve the regions losing what little control they have left of their best assets and b) Roger's precious PWC report came right out and said the WRU couldn't afford it in the first place! How anyone can take the side of the WRU is beyond me.

by Shifty Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 19:53

Stone Motif wrote:Hang on this is the same WRU that funds their pro sides less than anyone else in Europe. The regions might have been foolish signing the current participation agreement but the money has to come from somewhere. Frankly, the offer from the WRU is a shambles both because a) it would involve the regions losing what little control they have left of their best assets and b) Roger's precious PWC report came right out and said the WRU couldn't afford it in the first place! How anyone can take the side of the WRU is beyond me.

I think we have to be realistic and say the WRU can only afford what they can afford.

There isnt really that much money left in the pot, and sadly going down to 3 regions and centrally contracting the players and only employing welsh players in those regions looks far more sensible that the current system we have.

Though even then every time we make major adjustments it only buys us a small amount of time before were knee deep in it again. We can't compete with the English and the French leagues.

by Stone Motif Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 21:05

Utter nonsense, losing a region will lose a quarter of the money, and only employing Welsh players simply drives up the value of individuals who should never be near pro contracts, not to mention leaving you unable to compete with the French, Irish and English who can sign whomever they please.

by glamorganalun Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 21:39

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
glamorganalun wrote:I was just explaining why other regions have more money through sponsorship of large companys not a businrss run from a scrap yard.

Do you know for a fact that the other regions are getting more money through sponsorship, or is it just an assumption?

The Blues main sponsor is one of the biggest company's in the world, their 2011 sales were 49Billion Euros, margin 6.8Billion and EBIT 1.6Billion they sponsor the Ospreys French opponent's this weekend (along with Peugeot) as well as the Blues, I think it is responable to assume they will not miss a couple of million pounds for the exposure of the two teams in the HC and the local leagues. You only have to look at the Blues or Ospreys sponsors, they are national/international companies supported with more local sponsors. Advertising is very expensive for large companies, how much have Dove paid the WRU for the AI's four 4 TV covered games, probably not less than £1M?

I know in the case of the Ospreys some of their players are sponsored by local companies which helps to keep the wage bill down (and keep below the salary cap) e.g., Justin Marshall was sponsored by Sinclair Mercedes having use of a car free of charge and there were others with the same deal. The Ospreys advertise for sponsorship (on web site) for each of their players helping to keep players etc hence don't assume the Opsreys or Blues will exceed their official salary cap in future, there are ways around the cap. Another means to keep players is to offer a testimonial to keep a senior player or two, it is all common sense, have you heard of any Dragons players getting a TM?

I have not answered you question I have just used logic and using information freely available.

by Stone Motif Fri 7 Dec 2012 - 22:14

Yes there have been testemonials, yes you can sponsor Dragons players. A simple bit of research would tell you this. What a company is worth and what it pays in sponsorship are two different things. You may have noticed how having such generous sponsors isn't helping them keep hold of their players either. The Dragons are expected to turn a profit this year despite a forlorn season on the pitch while they rationalise the business, Rodney Parade is in use seven days a week and you want to have a pop at they way things are run. Any more genius ideas?

by Guest Sat 8 Dec 2012 - 8:10

EADS probably won't miss a few million, you're right. So why don't they give the Blues a few million? Because they certainly don't. That's just logic. The only difference between the dragons and the blues is that Peter Thomas puts in extra cash (as a loan, mind you, so it costs the blues more in the long run). 'A couple of million', as you put it, from EADS would pay the whole wage bill. Why then did they actually offer Gethin Jenkins less to stay? He said that they couldn't afford to match or increase his contract so actually offered him one worth 70% of what he was on.

by glamorganalun Sat 8 Dec 2012 - 21:37

Griff:
I believe the Blues were well over the 3.5M cap as were the Ospreys, this is just the players wage bill hence cutting the number of players last year, there are many other staff (trainers, medical, coaches, admin etc), the ground costs, security, travel/accom etc etc. If you think £2M will cover the wage bill you are in dream land, it may cover the Dragons players wage bill hence they are off. I heard today on the radio, Bristol City's players wage bill is £15M, what a joke for a bottom of the championship team.

by Morgannwg Sat 8 Dec 2012 - 23:11

Your talking about the Bristol football team.

by glamorganalun Sun 9 Dec 2012 - 13:06

I know Bristol City Championship team is a football team, I was just putting into persective how silly their wages are relatively compared with rugby, they are heading for trouble as their crowds are not great.

by Guest Sun 9 Dec 2012 - 16:30

Would just like to say well done to the Dragons for their 0-33 win out in Italy. They were playing poor opposition, granted, but Dragons had a man sent off in the first half, so it showed character still to shut the opposition out for a whole half when down to 14 men. You can only beat what's in front of you, but credit where it's due.

by Guest Sun 9 Dec 2012 - 23:24

glamorganalun wrote:I know Bristol City Championship team is a football team, I was just putting into persective how silly their wages are relatively compared with rugby, they are heading for trouble as their crowds are not great.

Perspective how? Not all regions pretend to be older than ten years old. Where's the comparison?

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 10 Dec 2012 - 8:53

glamorganalun wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
glamorganalun wrote:I was just explaining why other regions have more money through sponsorship of large companys not a businrss run from a scrap yard.

Do you know for a fact that the other regions are getting more money through sponsorship, or is it just an assumption?

The Blues main sponsor is one of the biggest company's in the world, their 2011 sales were 49Billion Euros, margin 6.8Billion and EBIT 1.6Billion they sponsor the Ospreys French opponent's this weekend (along with Peugeot) as well as the Blues, I think it is responable to assume they will not miss a couple of million pounds for the exposure of the two teams in the HC and the local leagues.

I have not answered you question I have just used logic and using information freely available.

So an assumption, then. I suspected as much.

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