Are the Regions and WRU back on the same page or still split

This may be to early to tell where the Rabo Unions and Regions stand on the euro debate but if it is a case of them breaking rank should they face actions.

Wales is the only one who has private organsation (Treviso are given a licence by the FIR so will not risk going back into the S10).  Would we like to see regions controlled and run by the union so as to avoid all these problems.

Would putting all TV money into a pot for the Rabo and share out per team punish the regions while compensating the SRU & FIR for having half their teams in a lower competition.

Would you see a Pro8 or Pro10 (add a scottish and italian team maybe) and then take the 6 places on offer for the league with each country getting at least one team, maybe Ireland only having three for the first 2 years.  The extra games could be a cup or if 8 teams play each other 3 times rotating the second home match.

TV would not be affected much as the Welsh currently keep their TV money.

Personally i feel that until the WRU has control over the regions we will face problems with Welsh rugby and in turn with the Rabo

IMO there are two options here.
1) the clubs statement is intended to put pressure on the WRU
2) there is a behind the scenes deal that is acceptable to all and the clubs jumped the gun

I would not like to see threats made and the WRU are critical in this.  If a split WRU / regions is avoided then no sanctions.

If the WRU and unions split then its game on and the regions would be in big trouble as the Rabo is a union led organisation.  I couldn't see the welsh regions staying in the rabo then

Personally I think this is just a bargaining ploy and will have no great effect on the deal or the rabo.

If and its a massive if the welsh regions leave the rabo then I would like to see such teams as Bucharest join - and something I have long agitated for the real minnows like Spain given a national team entry into the rabo

I agree with you TJ

Do you think putting money into a TV pot would help the SRU make back some money as currently i think they get very little from BBC Alba.

BBC alba pay nowt much for the games. the real issue there is getting the games on a mainstream broadcaster. someone might look at Albas vewing figures and think it worthwhile to pay more.

Relax, I think that everyone else has also signed up to the new tournaments it just won't be announced until after the ERC meetings today.

Notch wrote:Relax, I think that everyone else has also signed up to the new tournaments it just won't be announced until after the ERC meetings today.

Relax, Notch? You'll forgive me if I don't think its normal to run up to the headmaster's office with yer boxer's round yer ankles!

Notch - if that was so then why the statement from the regions?

Notch wrote:Relax, I think that everyone else has also signed up to the new tournaments it just won't be announced until after the ERC meetings today.

Only issue i would see with that is why would there be no response for 24hrs. Also if there is an agreement it would have stipulated that all parties say nothing till after the ERC meeting.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Notch wrote:Relax, I think that everyone else has also signed up to the new tournaments it just won't be announced until after the ERC meetings today.

Relax, Notch?  You'll forgive me if I don't think its normal to run up to the headmaster's office with yer boxer's round yer ankles!

Maybe not in your day, at school between the wars

That was how we were expected to present ourself for caning. Except without the boxer shorts as we were too poor for stuff like that. 1 pair of long johns per winter, if you were the dad, year old pair for eldest son etc

mike philips could benefit from a bit of that caning instead the type he usually goes for...

Rugby player likes a drink 'shocker'

munkian wrote:Rugby player likes a drink 'shocker'

mike philips shows poor judgement despite have received warnings related to his terms of employment shocker...

Liking a drink fine. repeatedly being a peed idiot - not fine

In response to the headline "they haven't"

TJ wrote:Notch - if that was so then why the statement from the regions?  

Well one, of many, theories is the clubs of France and England will have some representation on the competition board as of right and this is the Welsh clubs want the same.
It fits the rumours that Lewis will back them but is peeved with announcement.

I think Notch is right it is almost certainly a done deal and these few days are crossing t's and dotting i's.
The alternative is open warfare has broken out in Wales

It's all quiet here to be honest Geoff!

Personally I think open warfare is at least as likely. If it had been a done deal the welsh clubs would have waited - this is all about putting pressure on the WRU in my opinion

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/10400984/Welsh-Rugby-Union-steps-into-clubs-European-row-to-prevent-exodus-of-big-name-stars-to-France-and-England.html#disqus_thread

It appears Rog offered the Regions temporary central contracts on Monday & the Regions came out publicly to support RCC the following day.

I see that. The WRU are about to put the Regions to the sword!

Doesnt seem like there will be agreement at this point. The releasing f statements through the media really is annoying. It doesn't seem that the regions and the WRU are on the same page at all

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/10400984/Welsh-Rugby-Union-steps-into-clubs-European-row-to-prevent-exodus-of-big-name-stars-to-France-and-England.html#disqus_thread

It appears Rog offered the Regions temporary central contracts on Monday & the Regions came out publicly to support RCC the following day.

So again its about power nothing else. Power for the men with big egos running clubs. If it was just about rugby then thats a good offer. Many sports use central contracts - cricket for example. It was only suggested as a temporary position anyway.

As has been stated onther threads the welsh are as up set as the rest of us at the regions.

Knowing all the bickering going on you would yave expected the WRU to come out and say something even if it was well we will go to this meeting but have taken the regions opinions on board.

As there has been silence says they have gone it alone.

Funny because I remember Leinster coming out saying they'd be interested first...

TJ wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/wales/10400984/Welsh-Rugby-Union-steps-into-clubs-European-row-to-prevent-exodus-of-big-name-stars-to-France-and-England.html#disqus_thread

It appears Rog offered the Regions temporary central contracts on Monday & the Regions came out publicly to support RCC the following day.

So again its about power nothing else.  Power for the men with big egos running clubs.  If it was just about rugby then thats a good offer.  Many sports use central contracts - cricket for example.  It was only suggested as a temporary position anyway.

The regions are nothing without the union as they can't run a profit even with union help.

munkian wrote:Funny because I remember Leinster coming out saying they'd be  interested first...

That was Leinster CEO mick Dawson.

Have you heard anything from him since? Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht are the IRFU.

Sin é wrote:I see that. The WRU are about to put the Regions to the sword!

I am jumping between thinking that, and thinking that they have actually used the issues of the HEC/RCC to actually leaver the WRU into a position where they need to support the regions more than they do.


Also thinking that the regions have not actually said they are joining the RCC the exact press release without the Beeb (or any other journo) putting spin on it

RRW Press Release wrote:"Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) on behalf of the four Welsh Regions confirms its full support for the proposed new Rugby Champions Cup Competitions.
"Whilst there remain elements of detail to be confirmed, it is now clear that there are a number of significant advantages to the new competitions in equality of governance, format, qualification and distribution across the individual participating Clubs.

Consequently, RRW looks forward to working with the WRU to support their efforts and positive engagement in striving to ensure our teams are involved in strong, valuable European Clubs Competitions in time for next season."

It says they support the proposal, and that there are definate positives to the proposed format. Nowhere have they said that they are going to be taking part in it. SO it is possible they are using this release to let the WRU know that there are alternatives for them, and that they are looking for a fair deal in the participation agreement (that needs to be signed before the end of December).

munkian wrote:Funny because I remember Leinster coming out saying they'd be  interested first...

The PRL said Leinster had said they were interested not realising that Leinster are an arm of the IRFU.

Leinster coach said he would like to be involved in a tournament with the top sides as that was where they belong. This was understood as a we want to be part of the breakaway cup.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

RRW Press Release wrote:"Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) on behalf of the four Welsh Regions confirms its full support for the proposed new Rugby Champions Cup Competitions.
"Whilst there remain elements of detail to be confirmed, it is now clear that there are a number of significant advantages to the new competitions in equality of governance, format, qualification and distribution across the individual participating Clubs.

Consequently, RRW looks forward to working with the WRU to support their efforts and positive engagement in striving to ensure our teams are involved in strong, valuable European Clubs Competitions in time for next season."

It says they support the proposal, and that there are definate positives to the proposed format.  Nowhere have they said that they are going to be taking part in it.  SO it is possible they are using this release to let the WRU know that there are alternatives for them, and that they are looking for a fair deal in the participation agreement (that needs to be signed before the end of December).

Didn't the PRL say people had to be signing up by the end of October.

Brendan, all I can say is that RRW have not said that they have signed up to the RCC, all they have said is they 'support' it. I know it is only semantics, but there is a huge difference between the two, even if politically it doesn't seem like it.

So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

munkian wrote:So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

Is it just me or is that one of the most over used words on these boards since the HEC/RCC thing started? There is no xenophobia being displayed from any posters, just a case of being throughly peeved with what one set of teams (based in a country have done). There are no sweeping generalisations about distrusting people from other nations, or general stereotyping etc. That said there is heaps of bile, and some upper testicles being talked.

munkian wrote:So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

The statement is worded in such a way that it's understandable if others read it as RRW are set to join this proposed new PRL/LNR tournament. The fact is that RRW have obviously put themselves on the side of PRL/LNR, and that the timing of that statement was to apply pressure on WRU on entering into the ERC negotiations.
So WRU offer RRW central contracts on the Monday. RRW issue that statement on the Tuesday. On the eve of the ERC discussions. They're playing the PRL games.
Things have been said that shouldn't have. Heat of the moment, and all that. I feel for the Welsh fans at this point. Seems they are caught between a rock, and a hard place.

09:55:52

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

munkian wrote:So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

Is it just me or is that one of the most over used words on these boards since the HEC/RCC thing started?  There is no xenophobia being displayed from any posters, just a case of being throughly peeved with what one set of teams (based in a country have done).  There are no sweeping generalisations about distrusting people from other nations, or general stereotyping etc.  That said there is heaps of bile, and some upper testicles being talked.

There isn't on here SS but you should see some of the stuff on Facebook/Twitter/Other rugby forums

Its laughable the amount of rubbish coming from some of the Scots and Irish about Wales betraying the Celitc brotherhood and rolling over for their English masters  If Scotland is so Independent and a bastion against all things Sassenach then why are their ill informed rants written in English ?  

Munchkin wrote:

munkian wrote:So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

The statement is worded in such a way that it's understandable if others read it as RRW are set to join this proposed new PRL/LNR tournament. The fact is that RRW have obviously put themselves on the side of PRL/LNR, and that the timing of that statement was to apply pressure on WRU on entering into the ERC negotiations.
So WRU offer RRW central contracts on the Monday. RRW issue that statement on the Tuesday. On the eve of the ERC discussions. They're playing the PRL games.
Things have been said that shouldn't have. Heat of the moment, and all that. I feel for the Welsh fans at this point. Seems they are caught between a rock, and a hard place.

 
How is this statement from the Regions (who AREN'T the WRU) any 'worse' or 'traitorous' than that from the the Leinster CEO (who IS the IRFU) wanting to play with the top European teams (i.e the  new cup) ?

munkian wrote:

Munchkin wrote:

munkian wrote:So all this bile and Xenophobia directed towards the Welsh is based on what...regions sayinng they'll support something ?

Seems legit

The statement is worded in such a way that it's understandable if others read it as RRW are set to join this proposed new PRL/LNR tournament. The fact is that RRW have obviously put themselves on the side of PRL/LNR, and that the timing of that statement was to apply pressure on WRU on entering into the ERC negotiations.
So WRU offer RRW central contracts on the Monday. RRW issue that statement on the Tuesday. On the eve of the ERC discussions. They're playing the PRL games.
Things have been said that shouldn't have. Heat of the moment, and all that. I feel for the Welsh fans at this point. Seems they are caught between a rock, and a hard place.

How is this statement from the Regions (who AREN'T the WRU) any 'worse' or 'traitorous' from the the Leinster CEO (who is the IRFU) wanting to play with the top European teams (i.e the  new cup) ?

I think the Leinster CEO took some flack for that, but, as far as I know, his comment was taken out of context as he was not advocating the setting up of a new tournament, but rather changes in the existing one, the ERC. Maybe the Leinster guys can confirm, or put me right on that.
Also, munkian, it was a comment, not a statement.
Anyway, the context you suppose wouldn't make much sense. Leinster, along with Ulster, Munster, and Connacht are the IRFU.

munkian wrote:09:55:52
 If Scotland is so Independent and a bastion against all things Sassenach then why are their ill informed rants written in English ?  

Cos if we wrote in scots, Doric or Lallans you wouldn't be able to understand with your limited comprehension? You seem to find difficulty in understanding english. I might just start writing in Scots. :-)

I know the Irish provences are the IRFU.

I just think its hypocritical that one is lambasted and the other isn't when they are basically saying the same thing.

There isn't going to be a Heino cup as we know it - this was made clear a long time ago.

Thinking that if all the Rabbo unions held their ground then everything would be the same is just niave.

Roger Lewis has ALREADY said that if the regions do anything without the backing of the WRU then they are on their own, this means no Rabo, no referees, no insurance, no anything, so, if the regions do go for this then all they will have is this cup but they will have to sort out everything else themselves, reading between the lines, I think that the WRU WANT to disband the regions and set up something different, for me it's sounds more like RRW causing trouble again, they are no different from the PRL or the LNR, and Stuart Gallacher is a pain in the arris and is always attention seeking, he was always causing trouble when he was in charge of the Scarlet and he is doing it again, if the WRU and RRW are singing from the same hymn sheet then RRW should keep their gobs shut until both the WRU and RRW can both make the same statments together, Stuart Gallacher is only interested in what is right for the regions, not what is right for the whole of rugby in Wales, too many rich men in Welsh rugby with ego's to match, I am getting sick and tired of it all.

TJ wrote:

munkian wrote:09:55:52
 If Scotland is so Independent and a bastion against all things Sassenach then why are their ill informed rants written in English ?  

Cos if we wrote in scots, Doric or Lallans you wouldn't be able to understand with your limited comprehension?  You seem to find difficulty in understanding english.  I might just start writing in Scots.  :-)

It was on the Glasgow Warriors mesageboard...

Not sure why my English comprehension skills are being brought into question. Nice try though petal

So my post above in Scots

Sae again its abit power naethin' else. power fur th' men wi' big egos runnin' clubs. if it was jist abit rugbae 'en that's a guid offer. mony sports use central contracts - crickit fur example. it was only suggested as a temporary position anyway.

I'm only after realising that Munkian and Munchkin are two different people.

For a second there I though Munkian (or Munchkin) had gone a little nuts and started debating with himself (although I do that regularly!)

But anyway, it's nice to know there are two of you, and that one of you might be agreeing with me on one thread and the other completely disagreeing with me on the same subject on a different thread!

That's handy to know.

You went a bit mad there Ted  

I see the WRU are now centrally contracting players.

munkian wrote:I know the Irish provences are the IRFU.

I just think its hypocritical that one is lambasted and the other isn't when they are basically saying the same thing.

There isn't going to be a Heino cup as we know it  - this was made clear a long time ago.

Thinking that if all the Rabbo unions held their ground then everything would be the same is just niave.

Totally different munkian. The leinster CEO was chatting with a journalist (not in an interview) a bemoaned the fact that they might not be playing the top teams in Europe next season. That journalist then put a slant on his words. The Bigwigs in the IRFU were fuming and consequently Dawson got a slap and that journalist will have serious trouble getting anything out of the provinces in the future.

Totally different to saying all the provinces back the PRL which they dont

Munkian
Alrecht mah mukker it was a only a joke - keep yer knickers oan.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:I see the WRU are now centrally contracting players.

They've made an offer (with no solid details) - much like the new rugby cup  

TJ wrote:Munkian
Alrecht mah mukker it was a only a joke - keep yer knickers oan.

Nae bother wee man

munkian wrote:I know the Irish provences are the IRFU.

I just think its hypocritical that one is lambasted and the other isn't when they are basically saying the same thing.

There isn't going to be a Heino cup as we know it  - this was made clear a long time ago.

Thinking that if all the Rabbo unions held their ground then everything would be the same is just niave.

We are just going to have to agree to disagree, munkian. Well, I am anyway  

Who exactly is it that is naive enough to believe that all will remain as is within ERC if the Rabo Unions hold together? Any that I have listened to accept that change is inevitable, and welcome changes which are for the greater good of the game.
Unity within the Rabo Unions is important as each is dependant on the other for the success of that league, and also to fight off any PRL/LNR attempts at weakening our position within European competition.

Aye - ye ken thaur is muckle ay glakeit fowk haur

munkian wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:I see the WRU are now centrally contracting players.

They've made an offer (with no solid details) - much like the new rugby cup  

Wasn't it bluntly turned down because it would have given too much 'control' to the WRU in deciding where centrally contracted players played?