Bedwas RFC’s Director of Rugby has stepped down from the role with a parting shot aimed at the WRU.
Mark Lewis, who has been in the voluntary role for 11 years, resigned on Friday, November 30, due to an increased workload at his business All Wear Solutions Ltd, based in Bedwas.
Mr Lewis said: “It is with regret that I am announcing my resignation as a Bedwas RFC director. The club is very close to my heart and it has been a very difficult decision to make. However, I am facing an increased work load in my day job and so now feels like the right time to take a step back and concentrate more on my professional life.”
However, to help bring about a smooth transition in how the club is managed, Mr Lewis will remain involved with the first team for the rest of the season.
Thank you to our Director of Rugby Mark Lewis for his tremendous commitment, dedication and hard work given to @bedwasrfc over the years.
Good luck in your future endeavours. https://t.co/mpI5slUDDR #Wassfamily ????@AllWalesSport @CaerphillyObsvr @southwalesargus
— Bedwas RFC (@bedwasrfc) November 30, 2018
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about his departure, Mr Lewis said the WRU was making it harder for semi-professional clubs to operate.
He said: “It’s not the reason why I have left, but stringent guidelines and funding cuts have made the running of a semi-professional club far more difficult.
“We’ve been told to cut £20,000, but as an example, WRU-approved medical provision, which I’m all in favour of, cost £25,000 alone.”
Mr Lewis’ involvement with the Principality Premiership outfit began long before he was Director of Rugby.
He said: “My father used to play for the club so I used to come and watch games as a young child.”
As Director of Rugby, Mr Lewis helped club members regain ownership of the Bridge Field ground, something he said was his “best memory” in over a decade in his role.
He added: “I want to see the club financially viable and competing at a high standard.”
When asked to comment on Mr Lewis’ remarks, a WRU spokeswoman said: “We do not wish to comment on internal club affairs.”
The union said Premiership clubs were receiving £93,000 this season, £75,000 next season, and will then receive £60,000 and £50,000 respectively in the seasons after.