What's Moffett up to now?

First topic message reminder :

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/new-twist-david-moffett-takes-7240208

David Moffett has taken to Twitter today to insist he's heading back to New Zealand before Sunday's WRU EGM .

Former WRU chief executive David Moffett says he is ready to head back to New Zealand less than three weeks after securing the first extraordinary general meeting of the union since 2007.

On May 22, Moffett announced he'd won enough support to bring about the EGM to discuss the league structure in Wales.

The meeting has been scheduled for this Sunday, June 15, but in a new twist, Moffett has today taken to Twitter to criticise sections of the media as a disgrace and to accuse clubs of not caring.He aims another brickbat at the WRU management style before saying: "Think I'll b**** off back back home tomorrow."

He added on Twitter: "I wish all those that attend the best of luck on Sunday. This is my last communication thanks for the incredible support/opposition.”



Can anyone actually confirm this is true? If true I have to say I thought he would bail at some stage but even this is a bit quick by his standards. Calls the EGM and then does not even bother to turn up for it.

Irish Londoner wrote:So does this mean the EGM is going to be a WRU/Regions "love in" then - and for the lower clubs is it a case of "Thanks for the support but now we've cut a deal thanks to Moffett stirring things up and now have a sustainable business for the next six years, we're offski"..?
Or if the deal is done can they now cancel the EGM as no longer required?

The EGM was called for due to the restructuring of the grass roots rugby. The leagues are being changed around, supposedly to make more derby games and easier travelling etc. This has not gone down well in some areas (Cardiff especially). The EGM did not have anything to do with the RRW/WRU spat.

Also IF I remember correctly the regions backed the EGM, however their feeder clubs in the welsh premiership did not get involved. SO it is at most 4 votes being pulled out (IF this deal is true). So the EGM will go ahead, and if there are enough people miffed with the grass roots stuff then the no-confidence vote will still be the result.

Irish Londoner wrote:So does this mean the EGM is going to be a WRU/Regions "love in" then - and for the lower clubs is it a case of "Thanks for the support but now we've cut a deal thanks to Moffett stirring things up and now have a sustainable business for the next six years, we're offski"..?
Or if the deal is done can they now cancel the EGM as no longer required?

The clubs including all the little village ones have an opportunity at this EGM to force changes at the top if they so wish. I have a feeling though that this won't happen. Big thanks to Moffett for stirring the pot and the questions he has raised will not go away. However, I sense they will not get answered anytime soon.

If there's no change following the EGM then the clubs in Wales are to blame, not the regions. This is their opportunity to have their voice be heard, there's 320 of them. If they all turned up and voiced their opinion then there will be change, if they don't then they have themselves to blame.

I did read on

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/07/wales-david-moffett-warning-rugby-union-wru wrote:Nine points for discussion have been tabled, including the board’s decision to pay off more of the debt on the Millennium Stadium than required. Moffett, who has hired accountants to sift through the WRU’s accounts, believes it has cost the game £16.6m at a time of the deepest recession for 80 years. His figure is disputed by the WRU.

Moffett had planned to reveal the accountants’ findings in Port Talbot, but the WRU’s decision to allow clubs to vote by proxy, on the grounds that the meeting is on Father’s Day and some delegates may prefer to stay at home, has prompted him to speak out in advance.

That article was from the day before he upped sticks. So reading between the lines I would think the bit in bold may be a part of the reason for his flit

Been reading the phrase "fear factor" on Muppet, but I don't understand what it actually means.
Anyone on here know?

Cardiff Dave wrote:Been reading the phrase "fear factor" on Muppet, but I don't understand what it actually means.
Anyone on here know?

???  I'd first need you to elaborate on what you mean.

SecretFly wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:Been reading the phrase "fear factor" on Muppet, but I don't understand what it actually means.
Anyone on here know?

???  I'd first need to to elaborate on what you mean.

+1 to that, Dai you got me lost too.

SecretFly wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:Been reading the phrase "fear factor" on Muppet, but I don't understand what it actually means.
Anyone on here know?

???  I'd first need to to elaborate on what you mean.

Swear filter tastic. Muppet means twitter btw.
https://twitter.com/BenJeffreys. This bloke is a director at Pontypool RFC.

Dave, account pulled on Twitter.....

Irish Londoner wrote:Dave, account pulled on Twitter.....

Aplos. my computer at fault - Twitter working

Ben, it seems, done a runner too?

More 'accounts' going down now than at the heights of the financial meltdown some years ago

SecretFly wrote:Ben, it seems, done a runner too?

More 'accounts' going down now than at the heights of the financial meltdown some years ago

Try this link;
https://twitter.com/BenJeffreys/with_replies

SecretFly wrote:Ben, it seems, done a runner too?

More 'accounts' going down now than at the heights of the financial meltdown some years ago

https://twitter.com/BenJeffreys

try that one

Thanks for that Spiderman... still can't work out the "fear factor" element though.

Kin 'ell!
Only just now realised Gwlad.com has been decimated and all articles have disappeared into the murk.

Cardiff Dave wrote:Kin 'ell!
Only just now realised Gwlad.com has been decimated and all articles have disappeared into the murk.

It's been Moffettised?????!!!!!!!!

This is getting very suspicious now.  The spaceships will be landing on Sunday.  Moffett has done his hidden deals with the aliens, they will decend on Wales now with the intention of making peace with the WRU.  "Shoot to Kill!!!!"

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I did read on

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/07/wales-david-moffett-warning-rugby-union-wru wrote:Nine points for discussion have been tabled, including the board’s decision to pay off more of the debt on the Millennium Stadium than required. Moffett, who has hired accountants to sift through the WRU’s accounts, believes it has cost the game £16.6m at a time of the deepest recession for 80 years. His figure is disputed by the WRU.

Moffett had planned to reveal the accountants’ findings in Port Talbot, but the WRU’s decision to allow clubs to vote by proxy, on the grounds that the meeting is on Father’s Day and some delegates may prefer to stay at home, has prompted him to speak out in advance.

That article was from the day before he upped sticks.  So reading between the lines I would think the bit in bold may be a part of the reason for his flit

I wonder, before he upped sticks, if he revealed the findings to somebody else, who may attend the EGM. This get together could get very animated. Wish it was on the telly.

SecretFly wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:Kin 'ell!
Only just now realised Gwlad.com has been decimated and all articles have disappeared into the murk.

This is getting very suspicious now.  

As was the shift to Cardiff City's stadium.

SecretFly wrote:Ben, it seems, done a runner too?

More 'accounts' going down now than at the heights of the financial meltdown some years ago

Is this a reference to Cardiff blues and their move to Leckwith?  

I've lost interest in the EGM to be honest. Either way it will play any real relevance to proceedings regarding the standard of pro rugby or international rugby as a whole. Bottom line is we are producing quality and we cant compete against the overtures from French sides who target our best players.

What I do hope comes out of all this is that partial central contracts can be agreed on because in my opinion that could see Wales policy that picks only players based at home. We already know most of our current internationals would return if that was to happen regardless of the money on offer elsewhere. Part of the reason the WRU haven't been able to do this is because they couldn't offer players who were not wanted by the regions a get out clause to continue to stay in wales. If they use this tool for that purpose then I can see the introduction of a stay at home selection policy working.

Additionally I hope there isn't a softening of stance on the foreign policy. I don't want regions be filled with non welsh players as it send the total wrong message to player development of youngsters. We know we produce enough talent in wales and with the exception of a few key positions (tighthead for example) it should be inexcusable for our teams to be filled with overseas signings unless they really are world class and bring an added dimension to our teams.

WM, this EGM is not about the regions it's about welsh club rugby and the main issue is restructuring.

I just hope that clubs like Ponty, who have said time and time again they do not like being a feeder club, actually stand up and say it to the WRU now they have the chance.

On the other hand, there's some clubs happy with the new division structure as they're now in the same league as local teams who were a few divisions below them and can see a few easy wins.

gcBlues wrote:WM, this EGM is not about the regions it's about welsh club rugby and the main issue is restructuring.

I just hope that clubs like Ponty, who have said time and time again they do not like being a feeder club, actually stand up and say it to the WRU now they have the chance.

Aren't clubs always going to be feeder clubs though (either formally or informally) in a climate where higher (Regions or Provinces) exist?  
Players choose how rugby works more than administers really - and players will always want to keep their careers on an upward trajectory.  Club to Region, to perhaps International, to perhaps bigger European clubs.  All done to extend and further financially secure often short sporting careers.  Clubs are and will continue to be feeder outfits by nature (whether it's in an organisational rule book or not)

gcBlues wrote:WM, this EGM is not about the regions it's about welsh club rugby and the main issue is restructuring.

I just hope that clubs like Ponty, who have said time and time again they do not like being a feeder club, actually stand up and say it to the WRU now they have the chance.

On the other hand, there's some clubs happy with the new division structure as they're now in the same league as local teams who were a few divisions below them and can see a few easy wins.

I think down my neck of the woods the general feeling is that it is going back towards the good old Pembrokeshire league, and the teams will no longer need to travel stupid distances to play games. But at the same time there are those who think that local kids have progressed far more as players recently, by the likes of Narbeth (and now Tenby) being up in the championship. SO I guess it is all down to personal preference etc.

But certainly this EGM is as much, if not more, about the grass root stuff than the pro stuff, which is kind of why it is sad that the mainstream media have (from my point of view) totally avoided covering the issue.

Just to clear things up, these are the EGM talking points

NATIONAL LEAGUE STRUCTURE
DEBT REPAYMENT
TICKET COSTS AND MANAGEMENT
NO BUSINESS PLAN
FUNDS WITHHELD
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
EVOLUTION OF RUGBY
ALTERNATIVE MANIFESTO
BOARD BEST PRACTICE

( http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/30531.php#.U5q7sLFwa70 )

Agree with you on this one, in England the Championship and even the National One clubs are effectively "feeders" to the Jeff clubs, Ponty may not like being a feeder club - possibly in part because if the club they feed, I'm sure Leeds and Bedford don't like it either - but equally if they are not a stepping stone to the higher level and are unable to take that step up themselves, then how will they attract players or get upcoming players on loan as part of their development ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27817358

The guy lives on another planet.

He said the BBC also deserved a "kick up the backside" for the publicity given to Moffett and his supporters, particularly over their analysis of the WRU's finances.

"If you want me to say yes [it's a kick up the backside], I'll say yes to you.

"But what I feel cross about is that yourselves at the BBC have given people the oxygen to promulgate inappropriate, factually incorrect stuff which bears no journalistic scrutiny."


Yet look at WalesOnline...no mention of the EGM all week because of TEAM WALES but Pickering issues a letter on it's front and centre. Where's the journalistic scrutiny there Rog?

HammerofThunor wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27817358

Difficult to know if a vote of no confidence would really be catastrophic for Welsh rugby, or not, but not much wrong with all else in that article.
Interesting that during a BBC interview he criticizes the BBC, and actually questions their standard of journalistic integrity in helping to promulgate inappropriate, factually incorrect stuff which bears no journalistic scrutiny, when giving voice to Moffett, and his followers. I would doubt very much that Lewis would make that claim if it weren't in fact true. Moffett got his sums wrong?

Be funny if Moffett turns up on Sunday though...

Munchkin wrote:Be funny if Moffett turns up on Sunday though...

Do you think he's going to burst in like Dustin Hoffman at the end of The Graduate?

Munchkin wrote:Interesting that during a BBC interview he criticizes the BBC, and actually questions their standard of journalistic integrity in helping to promulgate inappropriate, factually incorrect stuff which bears no journalistic scrutiny, when giving voice to Moffett, and his followers. I would doubt very much that Lewis would make that claim if it weren't in fact true. Moffett got his sums wrong?

Considering Moffett was meant to be presenting all of his findings at the EGM, it would suggest that there were some issues with his figures (or possibly the way he got the figures?) that meant presenting them would not be an option.

However, I do have to laugh that Roger has slated the BBC for giving time to factually incorrect stuff, as many of the pro-region camp have made complaints to the BBC about this already and about their timing of running (and re-running) stories that throw the regions in a bad light without any substance (or fresh information, when a story has been re-run). Considering how little coverage the BBC has given to Moffett and Co., compared to the WRU, it is pretty amusing to see it has got his back up, because the RRW and regional fans have been getting far more cack and being told it is all acceptable.

Can't help feeling this whole Moffett vanishing act - coupled with the Gwlad rugby thing is likely to do with some serious legal action. Given how vocal the WRU are being in their reaction to Moffett's accusations of their alleged financial incompetence, I get the feeling they've decided to "lawyer up" and go on the offensive. I may be wrong of course, but that's what it looks like to me.

Irish Londoner wrote:

Munchkin wrote:Be funny if Moffett turns up on Sunday though...

Do you think he's going to burst in like Dustin Hoffman at the end of The Graduate?

I hope so    Not that I want Moffett and the WRU to be joined together in an unholy matrimony though. Just enough fireworks as a fitting end to this pantomime will do.

Could be that Moffat has done his job in getting the EGM called? I fully expect WRU to use all of their resources (paid for by Welsh Rugby Funds) to atack any acusations brought at the EGM. Does that mean that there will be right of free speech for the member clubs for fear of litigation?

Dont forget Lewis and Pickering have a vested interest in continuing the way they are going because their annual bonus is linked to the rate that the debt is paid off. So even if its bad for Welsh Rugby (and with intrest rates as low as they are, surely everyone agrees that it is) Lewis and Pickering will not change because it will reduce their salary. Turkeys and Xmas comes to mind.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Munchkin wrote:Interesting that during a BBC interview he criticizes the BBC, and actually questions their standard of journalistic integrity in helping to promulgate inappropriate, factually incorrect stuff which bears no journalistic scrutiny, when giving voice to Moffett, and his followers. I would doubt very much that Lewis would make that claim if it weren't in fact true. Moffett got his sums wrong?

Considering Moffett was meant to be presenting all of his findings at the EGM, it would suggest that there were some issues with his figures (or possibly the way he got the figures?) that meant presenting them would not be an option.

However, I do have to laugh that Roger has slated the BBC for giving time to factually incorrect stuff, as many of the pro-region camp have made complaints to the BBC about this already and about their timing of running (and re-running) stories that throw the regions in a bad light without any substance (or fresh information, when a story has been re-run).  Considering how little coverage the BBC has given to Moffett and Co., compared to the WRU, it is pretty amusing to see it has got his back up, because the RRW and regional fans have been getting far more cack and being told it is all acceptable.

Could be the threat of legal action has Moffett taken to his heels. If Moffett fails to show up, it will make him look the fool I believe he is.

True that there's two sides to this story, and personally I think neither side has covered themselves in glory here. I'm not a fan of Lewis, but he's played the better hand so far. His oppositions campaign has been a bit of a train wreck.

Seagultaf wrote:Dont forget Lewis and Pickering have a vested interest in continuing the way they are going because their annual bonus is linked to the rate that the debt is paid off. So even if its bad for Welsh Rugby (and with intrest rates as low as they are, surely everyone agrees that it is) Lewis and Pickering will not change because it will reduce their salary. Turkeys and Xmas comes to mind.

Shouldn't really matter to them from the wages point of view, if the clubs decide via the EGM to change the financial arrangements of the WRU so that the debt is paid off at a slower rate then their employment terms and conditions would be changed and their bonuses would be measured on some other indicator - you couldn't make them work towards a contracted target if the employer has changed it and then penalise them for not meeting it.

Munchkin, your right Roger's campaign has been played out better, but given he tended to have the run of the media his campaign would always appear the cleaner of the two.

If you look around the net, you find some interesting stuff

http://waleseye.com/post/87935587028/more-foul-play wrote:More turmoil has struck BBC Wales’ sports department, where an investigation has begun into why a respected newspaper journalist was effectively gagged on a programme about the row in Welsh rugby, Wales Eye can reveal.

A Radio Wales programme was to include Paul Rees – a long-time rugby writer for The Guardian and a regular contributor to TV and radio programmes.

But he was taken off after senior management decided his views on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) were “inappropriate”.

The decision has outraged staff within the sports department who say they are tired of interference by senior management into programme-making.

http://waleseye.com/post/75471311541/rugby-rucus wrote:The letter from a collection of rugby fans says: "For those of us in the studio there was no question that there was a very clear discontent with the WRU from the majority of the audience which did not come across in the final edit."..........
........The letter of complaint goes on: "Several of the comments made by Roger Lewis were followed by jeering and various comments were made by us in the audience.

"However, the audience reaction only came across once during the broadcast version of the show, which made the debate seem much more amicable and considerably less confrontational than it was…

”..The whole WRU/RRW/Welsh Rugby debate has been poorly reported by BBC Wales and ScrumV, after being very late arriving at the party the impartiality has been questionable on simply too many occasions.”

These are not mainstream journos/media, and as such seem a bit more even handed.

Jeering and various comments?

Was the guy saying he wanted to make some valid comments that countered those that Lewis was making or did he just feel aggrieved that his jeering and 'various comments' weren't aired?

Is that debate though?  "F**k you Lewis!!!"

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Munchkin, your right Roger's campaign has been played out better, but given he tended to have the run of the media his campaign would always appear the cleaner of the two.

If you look around the net, you find some interesting stuff

http://waleseye.com/post/87935587028/more-foul-play wrote:More turmoil has struck BBC Wales’ sports department, where an investigation has begun into why a respected newspaper journalist was effectively gagged on a programme about the row in Welsh rugby, Wales Eye can reveal.

A Radio Wales programme was to include Paul Rees – a long-time rugby writer for The Guardian and a regular contributor to TV and radio programmes.

But he was taken off after senior management decided his views on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) were “inappropriate”.

The decision has outraged staff within the sports department who say they are tired of interference by senior management into programme-making.

http://waleseye.com/post/75471311541/rugby-rucus wrote:The letter from a collection of rugby fans says: "For those of us in the studio there was no question that there was a very clear discontent with the WRU from the majority of the audience which did not come across in the final edit."..........
........The letter of complaint goes on:  "Several of the comments made by Roger Lewis were followed by jeering and various comments were made by us in the audience.

"However, the audience reaction only came across once during the broadcast version of the show, which made the debate seem much more amicable and considerably less confrontational than it was…

”..The whole WRU/RRW/Welsh Rugby debate has been poorly reported by BBC Wales and ScrumV, after being very late arriving at the party the impartiality has been questionable on simply too many occasions.”

These are not mainstream journos/media, and as such seem a bit more even handed.

I don't doubt that Lewis has influence in media circles, but it might be a stretch to suggest that he can influence the BBC to such an extent. Not that I think the BBC are always objective in reporting. I don't. Isn't there a ScrumV journo on Gwlad?
The Paul Rees exclusion can be interpreted as BBC bias in favor of WRU, but then it can also be understoood as simply the BBC attempting to find balance on their shows. Having read numerous Paul Rees articles, and listened to his offering on a ScrumV special, I would be reluctant to include him on any panel if I had a say in the program. He is a very, very, poor journalist. His bias trumps reason, I believe. In a battle being played out in the media, it can also be argued that the Regions have those biased in their favor, anti Lewis, such as Rees and the Guardian.
Are BBC taking a side? They probably are, but then it's up to Lewis' opposition to find ways of countering that, and you do that with reasonable argument. Not froth.

Munchkin, you seem to have misunderstood the BBC view on balance. For example, they would think a balanced pair on European rugby would be Lux and Wray. Technically balanced but not really representative. So Rees would be perfect (and was on their panel for the BIG DEBAT nonsense they had).

Plus Lewis is a media man (Managing director of ITV Wales, wasn't he).

HammerofThunor wrote:Munchkin, you seem to have misunderstood the BBC view on balance. For example, they would think a balanced pair on European rugby would be Lux and Wray.  Technically balanced but not really representative. So Rees would be perfect (and was on their panel for the BIG DEBAT nonsense they had).

Plus Lewis is a media man (Managing director of ITV Wales, wasn't he).

A debate between Lux and Wray would have been interesting, and balanced, depending on the purpose, and aims, of the debate. I can't remember who else was to be included on the panel, but still, and in the interest of balance, the BBC may have decided to exclude Rees. I don't know. It's just another side to a coin. Perfect? Depends on what the BBC wanted from the debate I suppose.
I watched 'The Big Debate'. It wasn't really, and neither Moffett, or Rees, did themselves any favors. Lewis didn't exactly have an outstanding performance either. Trying to stare the audience down on camera is never a good idea...

Munchkin, I have had from people ( not wilig to mention names etc, privacy etc) that there have been issues for s4c/BBC Wales when dealing with sensitive welsh rugby issues because they wish to retain broadcasting rights over sky for international games. Which is understandable I guess.

I see Moffett was whispering sweet nothings in the ears of the Spanish team! Disrupted their rhythm completely with all his talk of making them even more money if they allow his PR company to sell their image rights.
Moffett! Go home!!!! Quit with the big ideas!!!

Paul Rees is an ex Wendy Fail reporter. He is one of the worst journo's I have ever had the displeasure of reading. I really dont care that he was left off a beeb radio show. Moffet is a self serving egomaniac. Roger the Doger is a corporate mannequinn and collectively the management of Welsh Rugby including the Regions is pants. All I can do is desperately hope that the regions and the WRU come to an agreement on funding and that somehow things get better ... I just cant see how now.

WalesWatch: Moffett has fledged.
I might do the same.

Moffett has in fact turned up   

Such a pantomime. From what I'm reading, not much in the way of fireworks though. Many are leaving because they are bored apparently.

See how the vote of no confidence goes.

Edit: According to some tweets; 'overwhelming vote for no change'

and

@BBCWalesNews
The board of the Welsh Rugby Union has survived a vote of no confidence at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the WRU in Port Talbot.

Moffett landed!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????

The Shock! The horror! The drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We didn't see that one coming Moffett! Oh you rascal you!!!! Undercut us. Left us looking the right eejits, thinking you were back in New Zealand.

Moffett is like the classic serial killer.  How do you catch one?  Keep going back to the scene of his crimes, because sure as day is day, the killer certainly will.

Moffett couldn't resist sitting in on the fire he lit.  I'd say it killed him to have to give in to the addiction of visiting the crime scene when he had already said he was off.. but there it is - the urge was too strong.

@BBCWalesNews 3m
WRU EGM No confidence vote figures: 4 backed the motion, 462 were against it and 18 people abstained.'

 Well that was close   

So all, or most, of the four Regions either voted in favour of the staus quo, or abstained...