News Roundup - 25th March

By Dai
March 25 2003

News today includes the new threat to Provincial plans, Johnathan Humphries failure to overcome an injury, Colin Charvis' Swansea decision, France's plans to field an unchanged team against Wales and a preview of Llanelli's game against Caerphilly this evening.

Provincial Plans under threat?

• David Moffett has today met with the Premier Division clubs to discuss further the plans for a five team regional structure for next season. However, the meeting is understood to have brought up some problems of funding for the Welsh Rugby Union and if the situation is unable to be rescued on Wednesday, thee could still be nine teams next season.

The clubs are relying on the Welsh Rugby Union to make up the differences in funding as the income from the European Cup, Celtic League and the BBC will be cut due to the reduction in numbers from nine to five. Moffett now plans to meet with the WRU in order to establish whether or not the union will be able to make up the shortfall in money.

Humphries ruled out of France Match

• The international career of Johnathan Humphries, Wales captain against England and Ireland this year looks to be over after initial tests on an injury sustained in Saturday's match against Ireland have ruled him out of the final game of this seasons Six Nations in Paris.

The injury means that Pontypridd's Mefin Davies is likely to start after an impressive performance as Humphries replacement on the weekend and Bridgend hooker Gareth Williams will take a place on the bench after his recent hand injury has healed.

Colin Charvis set to leave Swansea

• Colin Charvis of Swansea and Wales is currently considering his short term future at the club as a result of the club being placed in temporary administration. Charvis, has been offered a redundancy package from the club and will decide in the next few days whether or not to remain at the club for the rest of the season or look for top class rugby on a game-by-game basis with other clubs until the start of next season where he will look to join the West Glamorgan provincial team.

France remain unchanged for Wales test

• French coach Bernard Laporte has stated that he is likely to keep his team unchanged for the clash with Wales after witnessing a convincing display over Italy in Rome last weekend. The French managed to run in seven tries against the Italians and won the match by the comfortable margin of 53 - 27.

Llanelli vs. Caerphilly

• Llanelli will meet Caerphilly tonight at Stradey Park, hoping to make amends for their defeat to the Cheesemen two weeks ago. Llanelli will be boosted by the return of Leigh Davies, released from international duty and Salesi Finau, returning from injury. Caerphilly on the other hand, bring in Luke Richards at outside half and as a result, ex Wales fulback Justin Thomas moves into the centre.