Valleys Rugby
The other day, my friend and colleague Owen Smith, the MP for Pontypridd, called a meeting to talk about the future of rugby in the valleys. The meeting was attended by a number of MPs, including myself, and representatives from a number of rugby clubs in the area.
Owen explained his concern that in many parts of the valleys, rugby was in decline and many local clubs were struggling. At the same time the big regional clubs were not attracting the level of support that some people thought they would. After Owen had explained the background for the meeting, there was a presentation of some research which Owen had commissioned. This explained in more detail the concerns that many have about Welsh rugby.
The presentation contained many telling quotes from rugby supporters. For example, one respondent had stated “I feel no affinity with any region. I feel that I am alienated from the game”. Another said, “the move to regionalism has created a new type of supporter, a ‘Regional Neutral’ supporter: passionate and loyal to Welsh rugby but not to any individual team”.
It was agreed at the meeting that Owen’s initiative should be taken forward. A meeting with Roger Lewis, the Chief Executive of the WRU, would be sought and Owen will continue with his petition on the issue.
Broadly speaking, those at the meeting felt strongly that a way forward may be for a commitment to a new and strong valleys-based club, possibly around Pontypridd RFC as a hub. I would really like to hear readers’ views on this initiative. My guess is that we are likely to hear quite a lot about it in the near future.
Wayne David
Labour MP for Caerphilly
“I feel no affinity with any region."
Dead right.
Caerphilly RFC could be used as the hub. Apart from Ponty, it's the biggest ground in the valley region. The difference is that Caerphilly has room for expansion. It also doesn't suffer from the same pitch problems as Ponty. I would suggest though that if there ever was a valley team, its games should be played at many different clubs. This would give the clubs supporters a sense of belonging.
I always thought that the regional system would damage the feeder clubs and ultimately the national team. For many years I was a menber of Caerphilly RFC and watched them regularly. At one time Caerphilly played in the old Welsh premier divison and we could enjoy watching top international players at Virginia Park.
Caerphilly RFC was treated appallingly by the WRU both before and after regionalisation. Also there seemed to be no effort by Cardiff Blues or the Newport Gwent Dragons to provide financial support or any other encouragement to the club. Consequently I have never paid to watch a regional game and probably never will. I am one of the "Regional Neutral" Welshmen, I do support our national side but could not care less about how any of the regions do. I am apparently not alone. It is time we went back to club rugby, the French and English seem to manage with this system and it is worth noting that some of our best internationals are playing, or have played, for these club outfits.
Or there are other types of supporters like me who support their local clubs and whoever versus Cardiff Blues or Llanelli (even English Clubs), as it was they who stood alone & prevented true regionalism…
In a true valleys cry, I WILL NEVER BE A BLUE…
am in full agreement of what has already been said.we need our own team in the valleys.the youngsters want to play in front of their own people.where they are recognised and appreciated.
I,ve watched rugby from the age of 7. Supported ponty rfc for many years. I do enjoys watching regional rugby as I love the game in general and enjoy it at all levels, from schools right up to international.level. I think there should be a regional team from thr valleys. When you think of all thr great international.players that started learning their trade at ponty & surroundimg clubs its astonishing that there is no regional team from this area.. instead of being feeder clubs for other areas let us have our own . The WRU should hang their heads in shame after the fiasco that was the Celtic warriors. These small clubs are struggling & left ravaged when players leave for the big sides.. some of these boys ate fantastic players who never get the chance to shine because of the set up as it stands. I really hope something will come of this campaign for the good of the game & all the small clubs that are struggling to stay afloat.