Regional Rugby, NWQs, Development & The Way Forward

by thespreys Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:18 am

First topic message reminder :

Nice to see the DRAGONS continue to supply welsh players of the future,bit of a joke 4 non welsh in one swoop,its time to cut their funding as they do nothing for the welsh cause.

by Allty Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:49 am

[quote="Luckless Pedestrian"]Facepalm, facepalm, FACEPALM!

[quote="Allty"]It can be equated to a second team player trying to get into the first team and until he is good enough or better than the incumbent he isn't being blocked.[/quote]

I agree with this 100%. What I can't fathom is why you think that equation changes automatically when the incumbent is NWQ. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that a NWQ might be the best player in his position?[/quote]

The NWQ is only here for the money and do not forget the blocking effect goes down to the grass roots.

by Cardiff Dave Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:50 am

Regional A sides for the BIC??

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/26721.php#.UX6Q30r7BdA
http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk

by Allty Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:56 am

Mikey you are 100% correct. This situation where a once great player plays on for too long was not fully thought through at the start.

I think players like MW and I fear others are to come will cause the same but extra block as we now have with NWQ's

The issue with our past it players is many of them will want to milk every penny out of their short career. Add to that the on going feelings of "We must look after our old heroes" and things get worst.

by Allty Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:57 am

[quote="Cardiff Dave"]Regional A sides for the BIC??

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/26721.php#.UX6Q30r7BdA
http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk[/quote]

A step in the right direction

by thebluesmancometh Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:02 pm

That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

by Cardiff Dave Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:12 pm

thebluesmancometh wrote:That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting? They wouldn't, would they?

by mikey_philVIII Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:57 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Regional A sides for the BIC??

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/26721.php#.UX6Q30r7BdA
http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk

I read this this morning. No, the top 4 prem clubs will enter the completion after some sort of play-offs(?). It should be regional A teams though, teams that consist of the best from the prem clubs paired with some guys from the full regional teams.

by mikey_philVIII Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:58 pm

Allty wrote:Mikey you are 100% correct. This situation where a once great player plays on for too long was not fully thought through at the start.

I think players like MW and I fear others are to come will cause the same but extra block as we now have with NWQ's

The issue with our past it players is many of them will want to milk every penny out of their short career. Add to that the on going feelings of "We must look after our old heroes" and things get worst.

Yes. However, I don't see who's really being blocked right now. The only examples I could give you would be Webb blocking Habberfield and Knoyle previously blocking G.Davies for Scarlets and Wales. The latter are both better than the former there in my mind.

by thebluesmancometh Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:10 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting? They wouldn't, would they?

I would never suggest that regions would loan players en mass to a prem team durin g the playoffs... Shocked

by Allty Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:16 pm

[quote="mikey_philVIII"][quote="Allty"]Mikey you are 100% correct. This situation where a once great player plays on for too long was not fully thought through at the start.

I think players like MW and I fear others are to come will cause the same but extra block as we now have with NWQ's

The issue with our past it players is many of them will want to milk every penny out of their short career. Add to that the on going feelings of "We must look after our old heroes" and things get worst.
[/quote]

Yes. However, I don't see who's really being blocked right now. The only examples I could give you would be Webb blocking Habberfield and Knoyle previously blocking G.Davies for Scarlets and Wales. The latter are both better than the former there in my mind. [/quote]

One of the words I was looking for was Sentimentality.

There is no room for it in Pro rugby.

The sad thing is we may never know who is being blocked

I have been told that a number of promising youngsters have given up rugby altogether

by mikey_philVIII Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:16 pm

Allty wrote:
mikey_philVIII wrote:
Allty wrote:Mikey you are 100% correct. This situation where a once great player plays on for too long was not fully thought through at the start.

I think players like MW and I fear others are to come will cause the same but extra block as we now have with NWQ's

The issue with our past it players is many of them will want to milk every penny out of their short career. Add to that the on going feelings of "We must look after our old heroes" and things get worst.

Yes. However, I don't see who's really being blocked right now. The only examples I could give you would be Webb blocking Habberfield and Knoyle previously blocking G.Davies for Scarlets and Wales. The latter are both better than the former there in my mind.

One of the words I was looking for was Sentimentality.

There is no room for it in Pro rugby.

The sad thing is we may never know who is being blocked

I have been told that a number of promising youngsters have given up rugby altogether

You have been told? Okay... Well let's say they are, is it down to some teams fielding NWQ players in their starting XV? I would say it's a lot more to do with "who you know" which is a very sad constituent in developing rugby players.

by Allty Mon Apr 29, 2013 2:40 pm

Its a combination of many things.

I'm not saying that NWQ's are the only problem. There are so many problems the WRU v Regional spat

The millions in foolish wage bills over the years.

And as you say "who you know" helps

by Stone Motif Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:15 pm

Allty wrote:

One of the words I was looking for was Sentimentality.

There is no room for it in Pro rugby.

The sad thing is we may never know who is being blocked

I have been told that a number of promising youngsters have given up rugby altogether

Being as these players would not come into competition for places with a NWQ player until the age of around 18, when they would have been in all likelihood part of the regional academy system, you will have no difficulty naming names then?

I'll leave out the fact that players as young as 16 have made full regional debuts and also that if a player gives up a sport entirely because they think another player is better than them, he probably isn't future international material, purely in the interest of making your post look less ffecwyttwd.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Apr 30, 2013 2:43 am

Allty wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Facepalm, facepalm, FACEPALM!

Allty wrote:It can be equated to a second team player trying to get into the first team and until he is good enough or better than the incumbent he isn't being blocked.

I agree with this 100%. What I can't fathom is why you think that equation changes automatically when the incumbent is NWQ. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that a NWQ might be the best player in his position?

The NWQ is only here for the money and do not forget the blocking effect goes down to the grass roots.

If he's the best player in his position, what does it matter if he's 'only here for the money'? (Which is your opinion only.)

And I'm still trying to get an answer from you: you say that a Welsh player can't block another Welsh player if the contender isn't as good as the incumbent; now, why does that chance all of a sudden if the incumbent - the better player - is non-Welsh?

by Cardiff Dave Tue Apr 30, 2013 5:37 am

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting? They wouldn't, would they?

I would never suggest that regions would loan players en mass to a prem team durin g the playoffs...

I'm relieved you're not suggesting that Cardiff Blues players turn out for Cardiff RFC in the BIC play off game as Ponty fans would be understandibly enraged. Oh I see they already are; http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk.
Saying that though and i'm not sure about this, but are there not rules limiting the number of full time pros participating in WP teams?

by thebluesmancometh Tue Apr 30, 2013 5:46 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting? They wouldn't, would they?

I would never suggest that regions would loan players en mass to a prem team durin g the playoffs...

I'm relieved you're not suggesting that Cardiff Blues players turn out for Cardiff RFC in the BIC play off game as Ponty fans would be understandibly enraged. Oh I see they already are; http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk.
Saying that though and i'm not sure about this, but are there not rules limiting the number of full time pros participating in WP teams?

There are, but didn't stop Tovey and Co turning out for Xkeys last year, and plenty of other regional players in the prem finals. Isn't the limit 3, excluding academy players who aren't deemed pro, ala Prydie for Swansea

by Allty Tue Apr 30, 2013 5:54 am

[quote="Luckless Pedestrian"][quote="Allty"][quote="Luckless Pedestrian"]Facepalm, facepalm, FACEPALM!

[quote="Allty"]It can be equated to a second team player trying to get into the first team and until he is good enough or better than the incumbent he isn't being blocked.[/quote]

I agree with this 100%. What I can't fathom is why you think that equation changes automatically when the incumbent is NWQ. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that a NWQ might be the best player in his position?[/quote]

The NWQ is only here for the money and do not forget the blocking effect goes down to the grass roots.

[/quote]

If he's the best player in his position, what does it matter if he's 'only here for the money'? (Which is your opinion only.)

And I'm still trying to get an answer from you: you say that a Welsh player can't block another Welsh player if the contender isn't as good as the incumbent; now, why does that chance all of a sudden if the incumbent - [i]the better player [/i]- is non-Welsh?[/quote]

My answer has been given

Please read my posts

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:04 am

I've read your posts, Allty, and they make fluck-all sense.

by Cardiff Dave Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:19 am

mikey_philVIII wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Regional A sides for the BIC??

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/26721.php#.UX6Q30r7BdA
http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk

I read this this morning. No, the top 4 prem clubs will enter the completion after some sort of play-offs(?). It should be regional A teams though, teams that consist of the best from the prem clubs paired with some guys from the full regional teams.

Aye although I was hinting at regional A sides through the back door and with the following crazy play off system, it is a possibility.

Courtesy of Ponty.net;

"So, now the WP table is finalised:
Scarlets region - Llanelli v Carmarthen Q at PyS, winner to play Drovers at Church Bank.
Ospreys region - Bridgend v Swansea, winners play Neath at Gnoll, winners of that play Aberavon at TAG.
Blues region - Ponty v Cardiff at Sardis Rd.
Dragons region - Cross Keys v Newport at Pandy Park, winners play Bedwas at Bridge Field.

Above play-offs to take place during September.

Sauce - Aberavon RFC management... WRU say because of the lateness of the change in the competition, the WRU aren't prepared to just let the top four go through as they think clubs would have approached the season differently had they known from the word go that qualification was at stake."

http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk

by Cardiff Dave Tue Apr 30, 2013 7:37 am

thebluesmancometh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:That is sounding like a step in the right direction to me Dave, the only problem being the regional politics.

If the prem was given any respect by the WRU it could become pretty competitive, with the carrot of BIC rugby next season, however there will inevitably be the regions passing players to their fav clubs come playoff time, and the wrong clubs getting into the tournament.

Whats the betting CRFC manage to make it first year over Ponty?

Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting? They wouldn't, would they?

I would never suggest that regions would loan players en mass to a prem team durin g the playoffs...

I'm relieved you're not suggesting that Cardiff Blues players turn out for Cardiff RFC in the BIC play off game as Ponty fans would be understandibly enraged. Oh I see they already are; http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk.
Saying that though and i'm not sure about this, but are there not rules limiting the number of full time pros participating in WP teams?

There are, but didn't stop Tovey and Co turning out for Xkeys last year, and plenty of other regional players in the prem finals. Isn't the limit 3, excluding academy players who aren't deemed pro, ala Prydie for Swansea

Not sure what the selection criteria is, but one thing's for certain the Cardiff/Ponty relationship will not be improved by this and just imagine if Ponty lose the play off. IMHO, Ponty have already earned the right to be in the BIC next season and shouldn't have to play yet another game to qualify. Barking if you ask me.

by Cardiff Dave Thu May 02, 2013 2:53 am

A way forward;

"RaboDirect Pro12 boosted with Sky Sports television deal"

"It is expected that under a new four-year deal with the satellite broadcaster, which will begin for the 2014-15 season, 30 games a season will be shown on Saturdays.

It will mark an increase of more than 50 per cent on existing television revenues, which are shared between the Welsh, Scottish and Irish Unions.

The Pro12 currently has agreements with regional broadcasters BBC ALBA, BBC Northern Ireland, RTE, TG4, BBC Wales and S4C, but it is thought that the new Sky deal will be an addition to those contracts and not replace them."

http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15180/8684039/Sky-Sports-strikes-deal-with-RaboDirect-Pro12
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/news/10031777/RaboDirect-Pro12-boosted-with-Sky-Sports-television-deal.html

by Cardiff Dave Fri May 03, 2013 2:27 pm

Development & the way forward....

Unless I missed it; just watched BBC Wales news where tonight's Rabo finale was briefly previewed along with the footy conference league play off between Newport County v Wrexham on Saturday, yet no mention of the Swalec cup finals jamboree tomorrow at the MS.
??

by Allty Fri May 03, 2013 4:50 pm

Other than at international level rugby is not that important to todays Welshman.

by Cardiff Dave Fri May 03, 2013 5:05 pm

Allty wrote:Other than at international level rugby is not that important to todays Welshman.

Lots of young "Welsh" players will be on show tomorrow though Allty, so I would imagine this occasion would be right up your alley. Seems to me that our wonderful WRU have done little to promote this and it makes me wonder why they haven't.

by Allty Fri May 03, 2013 5:10 pm

It used to be Dave.

by Cardiff Dave Fri May 03, 2013 5:24 pm

Allty wrote:

It used to be Dave.

I see.

by Cardiff Dave Sun May 05, 2013 5:11 pm

Well Ponty won obviously in what was the least entertaining game of the 3. The previous games were far more exciting. Hopefully next season this event will be staged in a more appropriate venue as a few thousand rattling around in the MS looked bloody ridiculous. Somewhere with terracing would be ideal.

by ScarletSpiderman Sun May 05, 2013 5:18 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Well Ponty won obviously in what was the least entertaining game of the 3. The previous games were far more exciting. Hopefully next season this event will be staged in a more appropriate venue as a few thousand rattling around in the MS looked bloody ridiculous. Somewhere with terracing would be ideal.

Problem is playing at the MS will be probably the biggest thing in the lives of the Fishgaurd or Heol Y Cyw bkys, and it would be harsh to rob them of something as special as that. After all games like that will be told to their kids, and their grandkids etc.

by Cardiff Dave Sun May 05, 2013 5:41 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Well Ponty won obviously in what was the least entertaining game of the 3. The previous games were far more exciting. Hopefully next season this event will be staged in a more appropriate venue as a few thousand rattling around in the MS looked bloody ridiculous. Somewhere with terracing would be ideal.

Problem is playing at the MS will be probably the biggest thing in the lives of the Fishgaurd or Heol Y Cyw bkys, and it would be harsh to rob them of something as special as that. After all games like that will be told to their kids, and their grandkids etc.

and mightily bored they would be.

by Kingshu Wed May 08, 2013 7:43 am

In Ireland, since the Celtic league was first formed, the All-Ireland Rugby Leagues have been reduced to amature status again, this is being inforced by the IRFu over the next few years to even the playing field.

Would the regions benefit if the Welsh Prem was reduced to amature status, and the funding redirected to them?
Would it be good for Welsh rugby?

After all we hear that these teams attracted big crowds back in the amature days, and there was more of a club feel then, would making it amature again, actually increase its popularity? The Professional focus would then be on the regions?

I've said a few times on here that I think the WRU can support a low level Professional Welsh Prem or the regions, but not both. Is it time to downgrade the Welsh prem as the way forward for Welsh Rugby?

by Stone Motif Wed May 08, 2013 8:03 am

Kingshu wrote:In Ireland, since the Celtic league was first formed, the All-Ireland Rugby Leagues have been reduced to amature status again, this is being inforced by the IRFu over the next few years to even the playing field.

Would the regions benefit if the Welsh Prem was reduced to amature status, and the funding redirected to them?
Would it be good for Welsh rugby?

After all we hear that these teams attracted big crowds back in the amature days, and there was more of a club feel then, would making it amature again, actually increase its popularity? The Professional focus would then be on the regions?

I've said a few times on here that I think the WRU can support a low level Professional Welsh Prem or the regions, but not both. Is it time to downgrade the Welsh prem as the way forward for Welsh Rugby?

Would require the clubs to effectively vote for less money in the promised land and a WRU prepared to see the regions and clubs working more effectively together imo. So we're basically talking a combination of turkeys, christmas, and airborne pigs.

by Kingshu Wed May 08, 2013 8:18 am

Stone Motif wrote:
Kingshu wrote:In Ireland, since the Celtic league was first formed, the All-Ireland Rugby Leagues have been reduced to amature status again, this is being inforced by the IRFu over the next few years to even the playing field.

Would the regions benefit if the Welsh Prem was reduced to amature status, and the funding redirected to them?
Would it be good for Welsh rugby?

After all we hear that these teams attracted big crowds back in the amature days, and there was more of a club feel then, would making it amature again, actually increase its popularity? The Professional focus would then be on the regions?

I've said a few times on here that I think the WRU can support a low level Professional Welsh Prem or the regions, but not both. Is it time to downgrade the Welsh prem as the way forward for Welsh Rugby?
Would require the clubs to effectively vote for less money in the promised land and a WRU prepared to see the regions and clubs working more effectively together imo. So we're basically talking a combination of turkeys, christmas, and airborne pigs.

Thats what I thought at first, but thinking on it longer a number of clubs maybe in favour of it.

With an inforced Amatuer League, it will level the playing field, a lot of the smaller clubs may actually wish this to happen as they do not have the money to keep up with the bigger teams, and are suffering fanically to try and keep up, they may see it as a chance to level the playing field and be in favour of it.
It would help strengthen the bonds between clubs and thier towns, as money generated by the teams, would not go toward players wages, bt instead be invested in underage rugby. The teams that we hear about now that can hardly even afford to run a second team, should in time be able to go back to the best days when they had 4/5 teams. Rugby would be returned to the people. and the Professionals would be playing for the regions.

Personally I believe the top Welsh Prem clubs would be against such a move, but below that clubs may see the postives, and the semi-pro clubs that are struggling may positivly be in favour of it, rather than struggle on and risk going out of existance.

At first glace it seams a ridiculous idea, but thinking on it, it does have plenty of merits.

by Stone Motif Wed May 08, 2013 8:50 am

Kingshu wrote: Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows

by Kingshu Wed May 08, 2013 10:00 am

you mock Stone Motif, but
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2013/feb/01/bridgend-maesteg-death-welsh-rugby

Maesteg survive on funeral wakes and comedy nights – while they have been forced to abandon paying their players

Do you not think that Maesteg and many many other clubs like it would not rather return to official amatuer clubs, and compete against other amatuer teams, than not pay players can compete against teams that can afford to? It would give them the chance to climb the leagues again, possibly they could plan to get back into the top tier, whereas at present they are just hoping to survive.

As I understand it Maesteg have the same voting power as a big club like Cardiff.

by Stone Motif Wed May 08, 2013 11:24 am

Of course they would, but there will always be clubs that are willing to pay players 'boot money' for a short-term fix. The history of Welsh club rugby provides legion examples of clubs living beyond their means. You think there are no players being paid in the so-called amateur ranks now?

by ScarletSpiderman Wed May 08, 2013 11:31 am

Stone - I think the point is that if it was amateur, even though some teams will find their platers decent paying jobs that are flexible with regards to training etc, the teams would still be far more even than they are now.

by Stone Motif Wed May 08, 2013 11:46 am

I understand what he's saying but to my mind a better solution would be to keep the money the same but the WRU insist every last penny is spent on infrastructure. If clubs want to pay players then fine, but do it out of selling tickets and building a competitive local team.

by thebluesmancometh Wed May 08, 2013 3:20 pm

Stone Motif wrote:I understand what he's saying but to my mind a better solution would be to keep the money the same but the WRU insist every last penny is spent on infrastructure. If clubs want to pay players then fine, but do it out of selling tickets and building a competitive local team.

This is key, pay players whatever you want but not a penny more than gate receipts command!!!

by Cardiff Dave Mon May 13, 2013 8:13 am

Any news on the WRU/RRW get together?

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon May 13, 2013 8:57 am

I heard that Roger Lewis didn't allow the board to ask any follow-up questions, which is poor to say the least.

by 2ndtimeround Mon May 13, 2013 2:26 pm

Where did u here that LP,
anything else been heard by anyone?
I've been surprised by the fact that nothing at all has been said about it since by either side.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue May 14, 2013 2:47 am

It was doing the rounds on Twitter. It might not be true, I'm just saying what I've heard.

by thebluesmancometh Tue May 14, 2013 3:10 am

Not heard a single thing...

What a surprise!!!

by Cardiff Dave Tue May 14, 2013 4:22 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I heard that Roger Lewis didn't allow the board to ask any follow-up questions, which is poor to say the least.

FFS!
So there was no discussion? RRW made their presentation and that was it? No questions allowed even if the board were unclear about certain aspects?
If true, it doesn't bode well by the sound of it.

by Cardiff Dave Wed May 15, 2013 7:03 am

The no questions allowed rumour has made the press;

"It looks bad for Welsh rugby - something has to be done"

Read more: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/looks-bad-Welsh-rugby/story-18979504-detail/story.html#ixzz2TMGU7XqM
Follow us: @thisisswales on Twitter | thisissouthwales on Facebook

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed May 15, 2013 7:23 am

'The quartet are trapped in an economic straitjacket and no-one seems keen to loosen the strings.

'When the representatives from the regions addressed the full board of the Welsh Rugby Union recently, the union hierarchy allegedly refused to allow board members to question those who had made the presentation.

'So the impasse is set to go on and the regions are likely to remain under-funded compared to rivals in other countries. It is a situation for which those responsible ought to feel ashamed, but probably don't. After all, Wales are winning and the Millennium Stadium debt is coming down — what's not to like?'

Indeed.

by 2ndtimeround Wed May 15, 2013 2:36 pm

It will continue untill eiter Roger Lewis goes and we get someone who cares about rugy at the helm or untill he gets his way and gains full control over everything at which time I believe we will be reduced to 2 teams both owned by Roger Inc.
If it is true that the board members were refused the right to ask questions then the member clubs should be asking themselves why they are happy to be gagged and calling for a vote of no confidence to hav th current Executive comitee re-elected or removed and replaced.

by pioden gorllewin Thu May 16, 2013 1:39 am

looks like there is another meeting tonight (sorry if it's already been mentioned)

THE regions and the Welsh Rugby Union are set to meet this evening amid fresh hopes that a deal can be thrashed out to bring peace to the professional game in Wales.
Deadlock had appeared to set in after representatives from the Ospreys, Scarlets, Blues and Dragons addressed the full board of the governing body three weeks ago.

But there has evidently been movement, for another get-together has been pencilled in for tonight, with Regional Rugby Wales scheduled for talks with the union's main hitters.

The Evening Post has been told there are indications of a change of attitude on the union's side, raising hopes that more help for the regions could be on the agenda.
Top-ups — whereby the union would offer assistance to make salaries in Wales more competitive — are among the ideas that could be explored.
There have been too many false dawns in Welsh rugby for anyone to get overly excited, but for the two sides to be even talking again is encouraging.
Certain to be mentioned is the issue of the Professional Regional Game Board (PRGB), the body that was supposed to revive the regional game but has yet to even meet properly.
The regions are anxious for it to become operational, seeing it as vital to their ability to cope in a tough economic climate.
But there has been a sticking point over the body's terms of reference and the question of the independent chairman having a casting vote which he could theoretically use to aid the professional teams.
It is unclear whether the union will want to park the PRGB and just assist the regions on an ad hoc basis.
Whatever, the fact that there are discussions again offers hope that a way forward could yet be found.

by Cardiff Dave Thu May 16, 2013 4:20 am

and there's more....from Pickering;

'We won't bankrupt WRU' over salaries, says David Pickering

Chairman David Pickering says he is not prepared to "bankrupt" the Welsh Rugby Union to keep top players in Wales.

The WRU has offered to centrally contract the "entire international squad of players within Wales".

But Pickering says the salaries on those contracts would not compete with those offered by French clubs with budgets of "26 to 28 million euros".

"I'm not prepared to enter into a position where we bankrupt the Union - I will not do it, it's wrong," he said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22542332

Firstly, why does he say, "I'm not prepared to enter into a position where we bankrupt the Union - I will not do it, it's wrong"? Nobody has even suggested this so what's he on about?

Secondly, it appears that Roger's original offer to centrally contract the "entire international squad of players within Wales" was bolony as this article shows the WRU wouldn't have been able to meet the wage demands from elsewhere.

Anyway, at least both sides are now talking to each other which is a relief.

by Cardiff Dave Thu May 16, 2013 4:47 am

pioden gorllewin wrote:

The Evening Post has been told there are indications of a change of attitude on the union's side, raising hopes that more help for the regions could be on the agenda.
Top-ups — whereby the union would offer assistance to make salaries in Wales more competitive — are among the ideas that could be explored.
There have been too many false dawns in Welsh rugby for anyone to get overly excited, but for the two sides to be even talking again is encouraging.

Do we reckon Rog has relented somewhat?

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