News Round Up 24/03/03

By Lestyn
March 24 2003

Plenty of news today in Wales. Neath and Swansea's merger, Cardiff's stance on European qualification and team news ahead of Saturday's game.All in today's round up.

• Neath and Swansea have agreed that if the newly proposed 5 team plan is accepted by the unions board on Wednesday, they will definitely merge together next season. But instead of something like the "black jacks" they will probably play under the provincially sounding name of West Glamorgan. Games would be split between the Gnoll and St.Helens, but more interestingly the rota would still continue even if the All Whites moved to the proposed Morfa Stadium, which is just crazy. In a press release today they urged Cardiff and Llanelli to re brand themselves to represent a larger region and not just the clubs themselves. Following on the Swansea theme, Colin Charvis has been offered redundancy as the clubs on going financial difficulties continue. Charvis is expected to come to a decision by Wednesday.
   
• Cardiff Chairman Peter Thomas has said that He would accept a place in the Parker Pen Challenge next year. He also praised Dai Moffett for his work with the club's and "With Moffett, it was business. Up until his arrival, it was always personal, so the turning point for the game was unquestionably the appointment of Moffett." and "The moment of agreement in that meeting in the Millennium Stadium was the culmination of eight years of discussion, negotiation, everything aimed towards the national side. Thomas hinted that in future years European qualification could be decided on where the Welsh regions finished in the Celtic league.
   
• Hansen has finally realised that Iestyn really must start for us. Harris is likely to be the only un-enforced change in the side for the French game coming in at inside centre for Tom Shanklin.  However Hansen may be forced into other changes if Humph fails to shake of the shoulder injury that He picked up in the second half of the Irish game, Mefin Davies who impressed as His replacement is likely to stand in. Another doubt is Mark Jones who limped off early on after landing awkwardly in the opening minutes, He may be replaced by Cardiff's Craig Morgan on the wing. "There are a few other bumps and bruises - but nothing that looks too serious.'' Hansen said. Showing their usual complacency the French have named the same 22 that faced Italy on Sunday, for our game.
   

And finally...show Your "neutral" support for Ireland's grand slam bid on the message board, You know You want to.