Whats Going On In Wales Part 3

by geoff998rugby Tue 10 Jun 2014, 11:01 am

First topic message reminder :

Understand but if the EGM had gone a certain way his position would have been untenable.

Thats not going to happen now.

Did I hear correctly that a joint statement is due by WRU and RRW concerrning central/joint contracts.
Also heard something about an East/West split within RRW but they may be just groundless gossip

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Jul 2014, 12:44 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Apparently the deal is now about two weeks away from being struck. I always took the tweets with a pinch of salt, but Mr Davey caught me out on that one

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28224532

A bucket full more like and the headline in the BBC article is a tad mis-leading. Did you read it SS? GE doesn't give the impression that he's "upbeat" at all. Quite the opposite actually.

We are in survival mode and have been for a long time, those are not the words of a happy camper.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 10 Jul 2014, 1:29 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Apparently the deal is now about two weeks away from being struck. I always took the tweets with a pinch of salt, but Mr Davey caught me out on that one

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28224532

A bucket full more like and the headline in the BBC article is a tad mis-leading. Did you read it SS? GE doesn't give the impression that he's "upbeat" at all. Quite the opposite actually.

We are in survival mode and have been for a long time, those are not the words of a happy camper.

I agree with this recent tweet from Davey;

Robin Davey @robindavey01 · Jul 8
"No it isn't, the WRU or rather one individual, are going to have to give ground"

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Jul 2014, 1:41 pm

Dai, I don't do twitter, but I do have a link on my work pc to his twitter feed. He seems to retweet the stuff from others that I would like to know, and is generally not too annoying with non-rugby stuff.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 10 Jul 2014, 1:50 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dai, I don't do twitter, but I do have a link on my work pc to his twitter feed. He seems to retweet the stuff from others that I would like to know, and is generally not too annoying with non-rugby stuff.

I don't twitter either.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Jul 2014, 2:15 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dai, I don't do twitter, but I do have a link on my work pc to his twitter feed. He seems to retweet the stuff from others that I would like to know, and is generally not too annoying with non-rugby stuff.

I don't twitter either.

I guess we are big enough twits anyway without having to be twit-er Run

by Cardiff Dave Thu 10 Jul 2014, 2:21 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dai, I don't do twitter, but I do have a link on my work pc to his twitter feed. He seems to retweet the stuff from others that I would like to know, and is generally not too annoying with non-rugby stuff.

I don't twitter either.

I guess we are big enough twits anyway without having to be twit-er

"Witter" would be a better name for it actually as many seem to love talking at length about complete bollux.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 10 Jul 2014, 3:01 pm

Makes sense to me;

"Gareth Davies backed to replace namesake Gerald

Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas has backed Gareth Davies to replace the outgoing Gerald Davies on the Welsh Rugby Union board.

Gerald Davies recently announced he would not be standing for re-election after having sat on the board since 2005. For Thomas, he believes Gerald Davies, who is CEO of the Dragons, is the perfect replacement and would help voice the opinions of the regions to the governing body of rugby in Wales.

"Regional Rugby Wales must have a voice on the national body," Thomas told Wales Online. "They have had it with Stuart Gallacher and Gethin Jenkins in the past, but they have not had it for years.

"If there is going to be harmony and partnership with the Union, then RRW should have a representative on the board. It is the perfect time for it to happen and Gareth is the ideal man to replace someone of Gerald's stature.

"He is a hugely respected man who is held in high regard throughout the game. Gareth has done it all. He is a former Wales captain and a British Lion. He has a wonderful business background, he is good with the media, he is Welsh speaking. He ticks every box imaginable.

"He is a statesmanlike figure. He is perfect for the job. He has got it all."

As the regions and the WRU continue to seek agreement over a new Participation Agreement, Thomas says he is hopeful a compromise will be found soon and also said he is not opposed to the idea of central contracts.

"We are very keen to pursue them," Thomas said. "We have reached the point now where they have got to be introduced. It will hopefully help retain players in Wales.

"Jamie Roberts wouldn't have gone to France if there had been a central contract on the table for him. I doubt if Leigh Halfpenny would have gone either. England are talking about £5m for their squads.

"With the support of central contracts, we would be able to get up to between £3.5m and £4.5m here in Wales. That would certainly help. An extra £500,000 a year into the team would enable you to bring in some real quality. It isn't rocket science. These are simple decisions.

"We just hope the Union will come back with a positive response. If we can't be competitive as regions, then what is the point? We must have peace in our time. We need to find the right resolution that allows the regions to compete and make the knock-out stages."

Read more at http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/233177.html#A4djKpowDLdbTA8L.99

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Jul 2014, 3:42 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dai, I don't do twitter, but I do have a link on my work pc to his twitter feed. He seems to retweet the stuff from others that I would like to know, and is generally not too annoying with non-rugby stuff.

I don't twitter either.

I guess we are big enough twits anyway without having to be twit-er

"Witter" would be a better name for it actually as many seem to love talking at length about complete bollux.

Surely you mean twitter with an a, cos most of them are.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 10 Jul 2014, 3:44 pm

Gareth would be a good choice, but I really couldn't see the board playing nice with him if he did get elected.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 10 Jul 2014, 4:28 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Gareth would be a good choice, but I really couldn't see the board playing nice with him if he did get elected.

Maybe others on the board will follow Gerald's lead and also hang up their blazers.

by HammerofThunor Thu 10 Jul 2014, 10:14 pm

Have BBCW renewed the TV deal yet? I'm remember Rog saying it effectively sorted but I can't remember it actually being sorted.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 11 Jul 2014, 11:19 am

HammerofThunor wrote:Have BBCW renewed the TV deal yet? I'm remember Rog saying it effectively sorted but I can't remember it actually being sorted.

I tend not to believe a word he says. The parts I can understand that is, in between all the jibber jabber.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 2:37 pm

http://www.regionalrugbywales.com/2014/07/11/statement-behalf-four-welsh-regions-regional-rugby-wales/ wrote:The term of the previous Participation Agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union came to an end on Monday 30th June 2014.

Sadly, the Regions regret to confirm that despite an indescribably tortuous process of endless telephone calls and meetings since January 6th, the control, commercial and financial conditions that are being demanded of them under drafts of the proposed new Service Agreement would be completely unacceptable for any responsible independent business to enter into and expose itself to.

The Regions are most grateful for the time and consideration of Wales’ National Head Coach, who has worked hard to reach a constructive and positive balance on the core Rugby elements of the agreement.

The public statements of the WRU Chairman referring to the need for urgency are welcomed, together with the positive position of individual WRU Board members following the Regions’ presentation to the Board during May 2014.

Unfortunately, these comments in the public domain do not reflect the actual process that the Regions continue to experience, with every apparent step forward eventually being replaced by two steps back.

The Regions have consistently made every possible effort to reach a positive and progressive agreement that truly works in the interests of both parties, to ensure a sustainable and competitive professional game in Wales at both regional and international level. They remain totally committed to the hope of reaching that solution.

However, after many months of working hard to try to progress a new agreement, it is with heavy hearts that the Boards of all four Regions must now urgently consider the stark practical consequences of operating within a business model that does not include any form of agreement with the WRU outside IRB regulations and no WRU support or involvement in the development of Professional Regional Rugby.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 2:38 pm

Am I reading that correctly, the regions are considering winding themselves down.

by HammerofThunor Fri 11 Jul 2014, 2:47 pm

Sounds more like they'll continue without money from the WRU (excluding competition money I'd think) and they'll only release players within the IRB window. If anything, that's suggesting they definitely won't be winding down and will be playing in the upcoming season.

by SecretFly Fri 11 Jul 2014, 2:55 pm

The Regions (it seems) are provisionally (new truth in advance of any agreement) telling the WRU not to remotely interfere with their sides from here on in - no advice, no money given, no money taken, no players on central contracts being told where to play by WRU.

That seems to be the gist of it from my perspective (admitting that the language can be creative in Welsh circles when people are still negotiating behind closed doors but putting out extremly negative sounding statements in public)

But if they are cutting all formal links then what does Warburton do? He's in no-man's land.

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:03 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Sounds more like they'll continue without money from the WRU (excluding competition money I'd think) and they'll only release players within the IRB window. If anything, that's suggesting they definitely won't be winding down and will be playing in the upcoming season.

Can they Regions continue without WRU money? I thought they were close to being bankrupt, or claiming to be, when the ERC money was withheld? I would maybe need to check that again though.
What if no RPA contract is signed?

by XR Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:12 pm

SecretFly wrote:But if they are cutting all formal links then what does Warburton do? He's in no-man's land.

He should of thought a bit longer before ditching the region to sign with the WRU. If he doesn't have a club, diddums. I prefer we stick with the guys with us week in and week out who aren't injuring prone 'sponsor ambassadors' like Navidi and Jenkins.

Munchkin wrote:Can they Regions continue without WRU money? I thought they were close to being bankrupt, or claiming to be, when the ERC money was withheld? I would maybe need to check that again though.
What if no RPA contract is signed?

Munchkin, i imagine that was just rhetoric to get people on their side and highlight the extreme possibilities they may face. The blues have Peter Thomas in charge who is worth a sizeable amount, they weren't going to go bust under his wallet.

This just goes to show that Roger Lewis cannot be trusted.

by Chunky Norwich Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:13 pm

Excellent news. Regions making the decision that they should have made 5 years ago.

Lewis should now resign or the Guinness Pro12 will be the Guinness Pro8.

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:42 pm

gcBlues wrote:
SecretFly wrote:But if they are cutting all formal links then what does Warburton do? He's in no-man's land.

He should of thought a bit longer before ditching the region to sign with the WRU. If he doesn't have a club, diddums. I prefer we stick with the guys with us week in and week out who aren't injuring prone 'sponsor ambassadors' like Navidi and Jenkins.

Munchkin wrote:Can they Regions continue without WRU money? I thought they were close to being bankrupt, or claiming to be, when the ERC money was withheld? I would maybe need to check that again though.
What if no RPA contract is signed?

Munchkin, i imagine that was just rhetoric to get people on their side and highlight the extreme possibilities they may face. The blues have Peter Thomas in charge who is worth a sizeable amount, they weren't going to go bust under his wallet.

This just goes to show that Roger Lewis cannot be trusted.

I thought at the time it could be rhetoric, although also thought that it was possible some of the regions might struggle.
Interesting that the Regions don't think agreeing to WRU conditions would make for a sustainable business model, yet believe opting to continue without WRU funding is. Don't see it myself. Maybe the Regions are considering letting most of their players go, and replacing them with more affordable players? Maybe it's all bluff? Haven't a clue, but whatever happens, the sooner the better so that everyone else can move on.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:51 pm

"Now RRW! Now's your time!"

by HammerofThunor Fri 11 Jul 2014, 3:53 pm

Munchkin, from what I'm aware of the owners were willing to pump money in but they were wanting to make the regions sustainable (as 'required' from that report thing). IF the regions still get the TV money it would mean a drop of about £1.5M each a season. But they would have international players for more games (those left in Wales). If they don't get the TV money it would be more likely £3.5M drop. Although this isn't sustainable I can see a lot of 'cheap' foreign players being brought in. Overall I can't see it continuing but in the short term? Possible.

Fly, aren't they saying that they're preparing do work that way as no agreement looks forthcoming? I think it's just part of the negotiations largely and something will still be sorted before the season starts.

Are the Regions part of the pro12 regardless or are they the currently nominated teams? Because I could see them sticking in the premiership teams (to get humped) if they can.

by SecretFly Fri 11 Jul 2014, 5:58 pm

gcBlues wrote:
SecretFly wrote:But if they are cutting all formal links then what does Warburton do? He's in no-man's land.

He should of thought a bit longer before ditching the region to sign with the WRU. If he doesn't have a club, diddums. I prefer we stick with the guys with us week in and week out who aren't injuring prone 'sponsor ambassadors' like Navidi and Jenkins.

That's fine. I'm only throwing it out there. So he'll be moth-balled until a final agreement is made.... paid leave as it were.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:32 pm

To be honest the RRW statement is again what's wrong with rugby in Wales. Half the senior people at the regions have been saying all week they think a resolution is close so terms cant be that far apart. The WRU have issued their own statement tonight and I think the comments from RRW look a little premature again. WRU have also made their point clear, Peter Thomas stated they would continue but cut their cloth accordingly. The WRU have made the IRB regulations clear and have tonight indicated while it is totally committed to concluding these negotiations with the regions, they clearly have no hesitation to kick them out of the Pro12 and ban them from all forms of rugby within the IRB framework. It's hard to see how the Regions could continue on that basis alone because other than play each other they wouldn't have anyone left to play.

Also other than the Blues, I just don't see the other 3 sides surviving without funding this year. Dragons and Scarlets would be done immediately and the Ospreys might last a season but that's about it. Blues are probably the only side with enough resources to keep the squad contracted for a couple of seasons but even then I doubt Peter Thomas would really dip into his limited pot of money to bail them out for more than 10 million anyway.

Latest news on TV is saying the Regions are now saying - WRU buy us out.

So basically looks like the benefactors are throwing the towel in at this stage. Looks like we could be seeing the beginning of a central system.

Why oh why cant they just all sort this out and stop using the media as some war tool and keep quiet. I really see no benefit in airing any problems in public. It's not like the last 12 months have been good for our relations with our cousins (Irish, Scottish & Italians) not to mention the other nations in world rugby.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:33 pm

BBC Wales today will be showing the latest news shortly regarding the Regions statement offering the WRU to buy them out.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:34 pm

Beeb are covering as Rrw offer Wru a take over opertunity. Doesn't tie up with how I read it.

Although if they by the owners out that will be the first time the wru give me money lol

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:36 pm

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:40 pm

To be honest my understanding is that the majority of the regions actually have debts. Logically I would have thought the WRU would just start new businesses. Given that the Blues don't own their own ground and neither do Ospreys, with the Scarlets technically having to give their own ground up to the council given the loans owed to them, it only actually leaves the Dragons with their ground and I'm not totally sure we actually own the Parade in the first place.

All I know all this news is rather sad.....

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:43 pm

that was the worlds shortest news bulletin lol - good old welsh journalism at work there Smile

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:46 pm

I also think if this isn't resolved I would be concerned at any new regional sides. Because I don't think they would even start with creating 4 sides. Even if they do I would be immediately concerned for Dragons (me) and Scarlets fans because I would have thought they would from a team in North wales and if they dropped it to 3 sides we could potentially see no more rugby in Llanelli or Newport, given that Swansea and Cardiff are easily the stronger population choices.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:51 pm

My real question is what the hell went wrong though because as I understand it more money was being made available. Given they would have got 1 million more for Europe and extra funding again for the Pro 12 at the very least they would have see covers swell by 2 million. Additionally it was being reported money seemed to have been agreed.

Clearly the agreement must have had other things in it that they just cant come to terms with.

Don't suppose anyone knows anything on this?

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 6:56 pm

WRU response:

“The WRU remains determined to conclude an agreement which will ensure the existing four Regional Organisations continue as the nominated teams to take place in all IRB sanctioned competitions for the professional level of rugby involving teams from Wales."

Is there an implied threat to replace the Regions with other teams here?

“The WRU is confident that the governing body and RRW are in substantial agreement on the total monies contributed by the WRU within the RSA and the governing body will work to ensure the rugby commitments associated to the payments are acceptable to all parties and in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”

WRU sending out the message that they are not for backing down on issues involving the Regions rugby commitments? Seems that way.
Where did the BBC get the idea that the Regions are offering the WRU to buy them out? Not that I don't think it would be a good idea Very Happy

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:00 pm

Munchkin - apparently they have a copy of a letter sent to the WRU from the 4 regions offering this deal? I don't think this was supposed to be leaked and isn't actually being published anywhere. Don't think the BBC would have run with it though if they cant prove the source but they don't have to publicly declare who has given them the letter. My guess someone probably sold it to them for a large sum and wants to remain hidden.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:02 pm

Either way as a Dragons fan i'm nervous because we might not actually have any pro rugby on offer in the parade next year and where does that leave season ticket holders?

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:06 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:Munchkin - apparently they have a copy of a letter sent to the WRU from the 4 regions offering this deal? I don't think this was supposed to be leaked and isn't actually being published anywhere. Don't think the BBC would have run with it though if they cant prove the source but they don't have to publicly declare who has given them the letter. My guess someone probably sold it to them for a large sum and wants to remain hidden.

Thanks, mushroom. Very interesting. There has been plenty speculation that WRU wanted to buy the Regions out on the cheap, and if it's true that the Regions have actually gave the WRU the option of buying them out, then we will see the truth of that. Might still be very expensive for WRU though.

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:19 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:Either way as a Dragons fan i'm nervous because we might not actually have any pro rugby on offer in the parade next year and where does that leave season ticket holders?

One thing I don't always appreciate is how difficult this must be for some fans. I find it hard to believe that the Regions won't be with us for the foreseeable future, even if WRU owned, but I can understand your concern. Hopefully those concerns will be allayed within the next week or so, and we can all look forward to business as usual on the rugby front.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:20 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:Either way as a Dragons fan i'm nervous because we might not actually have any pro rugby on offer in the parade next year and where does that leave season ticket holders?

Leaves us out of pocket, with either the Probables (in Cardiff) or possibles (Swansea) to support.

Good to see rather than try to fix the fudge of ten years ago that we could be going towards the same thing again. If what you fear does happen, the geographic west (Swansea is not west) will join the north with no pro rugby, and our pro teams will just be even tighter bunched

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:25 pm

You're right Scarlet but in your favour is history and to be perfectly honest better performances. If they do go down to 3, I would immediately be worried for my beloved Dragons if the decision is based on performance etc because we have been the worst team for a number of years. Also despite having the best supporters in wales our attendances have been behind the other 3 as well so that does not bode well for us either.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:34 pm

'Shroom, if we are revamping and down to 3 RGC will be team 3, good pr, plus they can ship Turks/Newport boys up there to make a side.

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:34 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Munchkin, from what I'm aware of the owners were willing to pump money in but they were wanting to make the regions sustainable (as 'required' from that report thing). IF the regions still get the TV money it would mean a drop of about £1.5M each a season. But they would have international players for more games (those left in Wales). If they don't get the TV money it would be more likely £3.5M drop. Although this isn't sustainable I can see a lot of 'cheap' foreign players being brought in. Overall I can't see it continuing but in the short term? Possible.

Fly, aren't they saying that they're preparing do work that way as no agreement looks forthcoming? I think it's just part of the negotiations largely and something will still be sorted before the season starts.

Are the Regions part of the pro12 regardless or are they the currently nominated teams? Because I could see them sticking in the premiership teams (to get humped) if they can.

Thanks, Hammer. I agree that it might be workable in the short term, but think any loss of revenue will eventually lead to the loss of the Regions international players to France, England and wherever else, thus weakening any leverage the Regions have on WRU.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:43 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:'Shroom, if we are revamping and down to 3 RGC will be team 3, good pr, plus they can ship Turks/Newport boys up there to make a side.

I think you might be right there, especially given that the Welsh U20 sides had better attendances than both the Scarlets and Dragons for a majority of our matches. You would think a Pro team would get even better support up there.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:45 pm

Munchkin wrote:
HammerofThunor wrote:Munchkin, from what I'm aware of the owners were willing to pump money in but they were wanting to make the regions sustainable (as 'required' from that report thing). IF the regions still get the TV money it would mean a drop of about £1.5M each a season. But they would have international players for more games (those left in Wales). If they don't get the TV money it would be more likely £3.5M drop. Although this isn't sustainable I can see a lot of 'cheap' foreign players being brought in. Overall I can't see it continuing but in the short term? Possible.

Fly, aren't they saying that they're preparing do work that way as no agreement looks forthcoming? I think it's just part of the negotiations largely and something will still be sorted before the season starts.

Are the Regions part of the pro12 regardless or are they the currently nominated teams? Because I could see them sticking in the premiership teams (to get humped) if they can.

Thanks, Hammer. I agree that it might be workable in the short term, but think any loss of revenue will eventually lead to the loss of the Regions international players to France, England and wherever else, thus weakening any leverage the Regions have on WRU.

I think realistically the WRU would centrally contract any leavers at this stage anyway. Given they already fund 19 million (which is not now being paid out) that's a lot of cash to spend on players. Granted the reality is they probably would actually sign enough for 2/3 teams thus ending a region right at the beginning.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:46 pm

One of attendances are easy, but getting attendances turn up for absolute thumpings is hard.

by HammerofThunor Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:48 pm

But where would centrally contracted player play? If they play elsewhere they'll have to have some sort of contract, making central contracts pointless.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:51 pm

Oh just random thing, it my kids junior school sports day today. We are as west as you get before Ireland. The teams were red, yellow, blue, and about 80% of the reds where wearing Scarlets jerseys. Not really much to do with this rrw/wru stuff, but shows kids/parents are buying into regionalism here.

by Guest Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:51 pm

£19m seems like a lot of money?

The thing is though, the Regions won't play players on CC's if this continues in stalemate, and they won't be able to afford to offer contracts themselves.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 7:56 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:But where would centrally contracted player play? If they play elsewhere they'll have to have some sort of contract, making central contracts pointless.

Well's given the WRU control all competitions essentially they would form new teams I would have though. So basically they would play for those teams I would imagine and probably draft players in accordance with Gatland probably to make sure all of his top players are split equally to maximise their game time. Wether or not anyone shows up to watch those new teams is another issue altogether but essentially I don't see grounds or players/coaches being to much of an issue. The only real negative would be the loss of all the first rate training facilities - although again I am not sure these are not actually owned by the various councils and sports assocaitions etc with regions renting these facilities.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 8:03 pm

Munchkin wrote:£19m seems like a lot of money?

The thing is though, the Regions won't play players on CC's if this continues in stalemate, and they won't be able to afford to offer contracts themselves.

The point though Munchkin without that 4.5 million each from the Union how can the Scarlets & Dragons even pay their players. I cant see any player accepting to continue their contracts with the regions if suddenly cashflow becomes an issue. I would have thought they would be in breach straight away thus allowing the players to leave. So you wouldn't just see 30 players being signed by the WRU. More likely is they would sign 90-100 on that 19 million and probably leave everyone else jobless and take the best coaches and staff. Either way that leaves a lot of players without jobs not to mention a whole bunch of non welsh players who almost certainly wouldn't be offered deals by the WRU.

If you allow that 2 mill will probably go on staff that still leaves 17mill for 100 players thus working out an average of 170K per year per player. Stands to reason while the best probably would get more there is no way the WRU will be shelling out those sorts of contracts for players outside the initial 30 man welsh squad. It does mean that the middle of the road players would be likely to leave if they don't feel the offers are competitive from the WRU. I don't think funding 3 sides would be an issue for the WRU. I doubt they would stretch it to 4 teams though as the extra 30-40 players would probably put to much drain on their resources.

by Welshmushroom Fri 11 Jul 2014, 8:05 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Oh just random thing, it my kids junior school sports day today. We are as west as you get before Ireland. The teams were red, yellow, blue, and about 80% of the reds where wearing Scarlets jerseys. Not really much to do with this rrw/wru stuff, but shows kids/parents are buying into regionalism here.

Youre right there Scarlet - I also see the changes down in Gwent as well. I always said that regionalism would take 10-20 years to truly start making inroads and I believe we are starting to see the signs. Sadly however if they rip it all up we start from square one again.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 11 Jul 2014, 8:07 pm

The union only put in under 1m to each, TV puts the rest in and I'm sure we can get a TV deal sorted

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