Regional A teams

by doctornickolas Tue 12 May 2015, 11:04 pm

First topic message reminder :

http://www.ponty.net/ponty-rugby-ltd-statement0?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

It looks like the superclubs have now hijacked the B&I Cup for themselves now that the LV is over.

Richard Holland is about as slimy as you get. Look at the email he sent. What a tool.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 30 Jun 2015, 2:25 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Just because there is a certain sized population, and technically they are all potential attendees, it does not meant that realistically that many of them will be. If it is only 25% that would be doing well IMO.

And we never will get them if the regions expect to just open their doors and for these people to come to them, this is not field of dreams, just because it has been built, it does not mean they will come. You have to give them a taste so that they can see if they like it first, you never know, it hook people, and if it only gets you one extra fan, it should be seen as a success. At least if you take the product to these people, other cannot say that you have not tried.

No, that would be a failure, not least financially.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 2:25 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:when evidence of the regions try is brought up it is dismissed

Who has "dismissed" anything ?

"Well thats clearly it, light the beacons West Wales has been united in a friendly game, pre season, against a team noone cares about, where the result noone cares about, of which the teams fielded will be a mixed batch of everyone and noone.

Face it the damage was done with the dodgy fundings ........"

"The "big whoop" reactions you are getting is because of the back handedness of a friendly being played there, or an LV= game......"

by LordDowlais Tue 30 Jun 2015, 2:26 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Well actually, loads of people just don't care about rugby below international level

Perhaps, it might be those people that the regions should be targeting.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 30 Jun 2015, 2:29 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Well actually, loads of people just don't care about rugby below international level

Perhaps, it might be those people that the regions should be targeting.

No really, they just don't care - and won't care. They didn't before the regions were introduced, either. That's the reality.

It's the same in all sports. How many people watching Wimbledon now, either live or on telly, give a flying fig about tennis the other 50 weeks of the year?

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 2:32 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Well actually, loads of people just don't care about rugby below international level

Perhaps, it might be those people that the regions should be targeting.

But, using an argument you have used yourself, sometimes there is just not enough money to support Nation and Region (and Club).

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 3:00 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:No I don't care for everybody in my region. I don't know the vast majority of them for a start. What a strange thing to say.

Well then, if that is the case, I will not see you having a go of the fans on here who will not support their region, like you do to the Pontypridd fans.

I'm sure there's a point in that post somewhere, but I can't see it.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 3:06 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Just because there is a certain sized population, and technically they are all potential attendees, it does not meant that realistically that many of them will be. If it is only 25% that would be doing well IMO.

And we never will get them if the regions expect to just open their doors and for these people to come to them, this is not field of dreams, just because it has been built, it does not mean they will come. You have to give them a taste so that they can see if they like it first, you never know, it hook people, and if it only gets you one extra fan, it should be seen as a success. At least if you take the product to these people, other cannot say that you have not tried.

No, that would be a failure, not least financially.

It's pretty effective maths though. Possibly gain one on the terrace, definitely lose at least ten from hospitality for a game. I'm definitely sold on this now. I'm drafting an email to the commercial team as we speak.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 3:17 pm

Once that's done, I'm also going round every house etc in the region and giving every person a hug, just so they all know I care.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 3:24 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Once that's done, I'm also going round every house etc in the region and giving every person a hug, just so they all know I care.

Just make sure you are wearing your Dragons away shirt when you do it.

by Fanster Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:04 pm

Are you guys for real?

3 regional fans defending regional actions and actively questioning any sort of issues in any of the regions?

Come on guys, at least pretend you have an empathetic bone in your bodies.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/big-welsh-rugby-regional-crowds-8278799

by Chunky Norwich Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:11 pm

Anybody else think Fanster is a former 606 regular in disguise?

by Fanster Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:18 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Anybody else think Fanster is a former 606 regular in disguise?

Yes of course, because I see both sides of peoples views I must be a previous poster you disliked...

Did you contribute to anything positive in this thread with that comment? Keep it in mind, when your typing ask yourself what you are contributing and if it's helpfull

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:30 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:Once that's done, I'm also going round every house etc in the region and giving every person a hug, just so they all know I care.

Just make sure you are wearing your Dragons away shirt when you do it.

But of course.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:32 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Anybody else think Fanster is a former 606 regular in disguise?

Think it's just a spooky coincidence.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:38 pm

Fanster wrote:Are you guys for real?

3 regional fans defending regional actions and actively questioning any sort of issues in any of the regions?

Come on guys, at least pretend you have an empathetic bone in your bodies.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/big-welsh-rugby-regional-crowds-8278799

Wow. All these disenfranchised people and only 3000 people did an unbalanced survey. Who is questioning issues? The difference is that you seem to be here solely to stir and when Dowlais' ideas consist of spending hundreds to make a buck or having a regional kit to rival Joseph's technicolor dream coat then there's not much to get on board with.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 6:14 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Anybody else think Fanster is a former 606 regular in disguise?

Think it's just a spooky coincidence.

I'd like to hope so. Otherwise I think I may have finally found a poster who is worthy of the for button.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 7:31 pm

So we've finally got regional a in all but name. Just the rest of the nonsense to sort now like kits for all and venues etc. I think Richie Rees will be involved with us as part of the academy and then maybe Nigel Davies from Ebbw and Greg Woods from Keys?

Here's the "Dragons A" kit. Should attract the naysayers.

Dragons A

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 8:07 pm

Risca, there is way too much amber on that top mate.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 30 Jun 2015, 8:13 pm

Rev,

Sure I read that some of the games will be played around the Region.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 30 Jun 2015, 8:56 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Bit daft if a team called the Scarlets don't have a scarlet home kit.

They're "pro teams". This regional rugby moniker is almost dead in the water now anyway.

Now there's a disappointment. I'll miss the bickering and the bollux, but there we are.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:31 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:Rev,

Sure I read that some of the games will be played around the Region.

For us, all of them are. One at Ebbw, one at Keys and one at the Wassssss. If we get through, then next round at Rodney. That's what Argus reckoned before it became official.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:32 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Risca, there is way too much amber on that top mate.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Back to the drawing board.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:35 pm

Take three

by bedfordwelsh Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:37 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:Rev,

Sure I read that some of the games will be played around the Region.

For us, all of them are. One at Ebbw, one at Keys and one at the Wassssss. If we get through, then next round at Rodney. That's what Argus reckoned before it became official.

Knew I had read it online somewhere.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:51 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:Rev,

Sure I read that some of the games will be played around the Region.

For us, all of them are. One at Ebbw, one at Keys and one at the Wassssss. If we get through, then next round at Rodney. That's what Argus reckoned before it became official.

But that still won't be enough for some.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 30 Jun 2015, 9:58 pm

The Saints game at ECP went down very well last year and bridges have been and are continuing to be built so its another step in right direction.

by The Saint Tue 30 Jun 2015, 10:03 pm

The kit argument is beyond tedious now. The Dragons kit is the Dragons kit, it looks nothing like the Newport kit. The only relevant colour not on there is the green of Ebbw, yet it still has the red of Ebbw and Pontypool. Our kit looks more like the black Bedwas strip; should the people of Newport, Cross Keys, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool feel disenfranchised? Again a certain poster has been criticising the Dragons and going down on the Ospreys... How can Ospreys have a neutral kit when it's always looked exactly like the Neath kit? It's just not a valid argument, a bit like everything this poster says...

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 30 Jun 2015, 10:06 pm

The Saint wrote:The kit argument is beyond tedious now. The Dragons kit is the Dragons kit, it looks nothing like the Newport kit. The only relevant colour not on there is the green of Ebbw, yet it still has the red of Ebbw and Pontypool. Our kit looks more like the black Bedwas strip; should the people of Newport, Cross Keys, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool feel disenfranchised? Again a certain poster has been criticising the Dragons and going down on the Ospreys... How can Ospreys have a neutral kit when it's always looked exactly like the Neath kit? It's just not a valid argument, a bit like everything this poster says...

That's bestiality.

by Guest Tue 30 Jun 2015, 10:31 pm

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 30 Jun 2015, 10:59 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Take three

That's a winner!!!

by Fanster Wed 01 Jul 2015, 10:24 am

Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 01 Jul 2015, 10:25 am

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33241921 wrote:The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a four-team increase to the Welsh Premiership from the start of the 2016-17 season.

There will be no relegation at the end of 2015-16 from Welsh rugby's top domestic tier or for the following three terms.
Any team hoping be promoted from the lower-tier Championship must meet the A licence criteria by 18 December, 2015.
Combined regional/club teams will enter the British and Irish Cup in 2015-16.
Leading Welsh Premiership clubs have entered the British and Irish Cup in the past.
But new teams - Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues and Scarlets Premiership Select sides - will take on English and Irish opponents in future.
The WRU will also "lobby" to keep the LV= Anglo Welsh Cup alive in 2016-17 with the regional Select teams taking part.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33241921 wrote:A new Welsh Premiership Challenge Cup will also be launched in 2015-16, to be played on the same weekends as British and Irish Cup fixtures.

WRU chairman Gareth Davies said: "The entire focus of this exercise has been to strengthen Welsh rugby and I can promise we will continue to seek ways to preserve our heritage, while improving the rugby pathway from the very top through to the grassroots."
WRU head of rugby Josh Lewsey said: "There has been a long and detailed debate on these issues involving all the stakeholders and I believe these decisions by the board are based on what is best for the game.
"We are helping create a Premiership within which players can develop their talent through teams they can identify with as part of the fabric and history of the game in Wales."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33337686 wrote:Welsh Premiership chairman Chris Clarke says he is unhappy with the Welsh Rugby Union's plan to increase the division to 16 teams from the 2016-17 season.

Clarke claims the new-look league is missing key elements that had been discussed, such as a mid-season split and title and relegation play-offs.
There will be no relegation from the Premiership for the next four seasons.
"I'm bitterly disappointed with the statement that has come out from the Welsh Rugby Union," Clarke said.
"We'll be looking to do what we can to give influence to a more satisfying system to the Premier clubs in line to what we were led to believe was going to be in operation.
"The level of integrity and trust between the two parties is probably stretched to a level it hasn't been stretched for a long time."

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 01 Jul 2015, 10:31 am

Fanster wrote:There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

That poll by the western mail was discussed and considered when it came out, and it was discussed at a fair length too if my memory serves. And to be honest most of the debate about what the regions are doing wrong, and why there are 'disenfranchised masses' and 'untapped populations' have also been debated at great length too. During the WRU/RRW spat, the whole geographic set up of the regions was discussed to death too (at least 20 pages on two threads, if not more). If it seems things are being dismissed haphazardly then it is generally because it is old ground that has been dealt with over and over.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 01 Jul 2015, 10:35 am

Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

by LordDowlais Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:35 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

See, at least they do not pretend to be anything other than stand alone.

by Guest Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:38 am

Fanster wrote:Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

Yes, I get it. Poor crowds and we (the ones who attend) are the problem. That's sound logic.

by Guest Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:39 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

See, at least they do not pretend to be anything other than stand alone.

Where else can they play a game?

by LordDowlais Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:39 am

Risca Rev wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

See, at least they do not pretend to be anything other than stand alone.

Where else can they play a game?

Merthyr.

by Guest Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:41 am

They aren't Grade A for definite yet.

by LordDowlais Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:46 am

Risca Rev wrote:They aren't Grade A for definite yet.

I have been to see the Wern, and the stands are already taking shape, its like a bowl around the ground also there is a lot of other work looking almost completed, so next season should be fine, take a read of the link below:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/merthyr-rfc-insist-theyll-facilities-9500260

by Guest Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:55 am

I'm aware of that, but my statement is still factual. I didn't state they wouldn't get one.

I would expect Cardiff Blues to move games of some description (probably A team ones) to Merthyr, at some point. I'm sure Peter will scratch his brother's back and vice versa.

by LordDowlais Wed 01 Jul 2015, 11:58 am

Risca Rev wrote:I'm aware of that, but my statement is still factual. I didn't state they wouldn't get one.

I would expect Cardiff Blues to move games of some description (probably A team ones) to Merthyr, at some point. I'm sure Peter will scratch his brother's back and vice versa.

I am sure they will as well, I was just responding to CD message, and the fact that Cardiff do not even pretend to be anything other than a stand alone club, I am starting to admire them for it actually. Wink

by Chunky Norwich Wed 01 Jul 2015, 1:30 pm

Excellent news. A nice tier that bridges the gap between the regions and the premeirship.

by The Saint Wed 01 Jul 2015, 4:07 pm

Fanster wrote:Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

What all 3000 of them? And it was much less than 3000 votes for each of the given reasons... These issues have been known the rugby supporters for a long time, have you only just realised? Your outsiders perspective shows a distinct lack of understanding yet again.

by Fanster Wed 01 Jul 2015, 4:36 pm

The Saint wrote:
Fanster wrote:Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

What all 3000 of them? And it was much less than 3000 votes for each of the given reasons... These issues have been known the rugby supporters for a long time, have you only just realised? Your outsiders perspective shows a distinct lack of understanding yet again.

Please highlight my lack of understanding? Which issues and which comments prove this?

by The Saint Wed 01 Jul 2015, 7:48 pm

Fanster wrote:
The Saint wrote:
Fanster wrote:Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

What all 3000 of them? And it was much less than 3000 votes for each of the given reasons... These issues have been known the rugby supporters for a long time, have you only just realised? Your outsiders perspective shows a distinct lack of understanding yet again.

Please highlight my lack of understanding? Which issues and which comments prove this?

All of them. Cue "you've won the internet!" vomit

by Steffan Wed 01 Jul 2015, 7:56 pm

You boys shouldn't play so rough...somebody is gonna end up crying warning

by Cardiff Dave Wed 01 Jul 2015, 9:24 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

See, at least they do not pretend to be anything other than stand alone.

Be fair, they do pretend a little bit. In fact they pretended a lot more when at CCS.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 01 Jul 2015, 9:37 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Simon Thomas ‏@simonrug 2h2 hours ago
"Cardiff one will play at Arms Park, I understand. Dragons spread around Region. Not sure on others."

See, at least they do not pretend to be anything other than stand alone.

Where else can they play a game?

Sardis?

by Fanster Wed 01 Jul 2015, 9:38 pm

The Saint wrote:
Fanster wrote:
The Saint wrote:
Fanster wrote:Wow,

this is a real love in you have going...

So despite the link that highlighted that the biggest cause for regional crowds being poor was that people had no affiliation to a region, and the other important factors were 'poor product' 'poor results' 'weakened teams' and 'poor atmosphere', all directly linked to regional issues, you guys would rather write it off as a small sample, or just write the poster off as a previous poster here to argue?

Well that sounds like an open minded, clear and logic reasoning, bravo to you guys, essentially you are whats wrong with regional rugby.

There are valid points to be made from supporters and non supporters, lets consider them before dismissing what you don't like to hear.

What all 3000 of them? And it was much less than 3000 votes for each of the given reasons... These issues have been known the rugby supporters for a long time, have you only just realised? Your outsiders perspective shows a distinct lack of understanding yet again.

Please highlight my lack of understanding? Which issues and which comments prove this?

All of them. Cue "you've won the internet!"

Not all of them, just 1, 1 point that highlights my lack of understanding, well how you percieve it, but in the real world is described as a 'differing opinion to yourself' if you actually have any, I havn't seen much.

You see, trying to detract from my point isn't a usefull tactic in a debate, it is literally the very last efforts of one who can't debate.

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