News Roundup: 8th April

• Coaching jobs for Howells and Lewis?
  
  Bridgend benefactor Leighton Samuel and Pontypridd Chief Executive Gareth Thomas have both stated that they want Allan Lewis and Lynn Howells to take the reins at the new Bridgend/Ponty regional team next season. It is believed that the WRU have not even short listed the pair which has prompted Samuel to speak out and tell the WRU that the clubs will pick the coaches NOT the union. 

• Parker Pen Final venue confirmed
  
  With two Welsh clubs still involved in Parker Pen action it may be of interest to supporters that the Finals of both the Parker Pen Cup and Parker Pen Shield will be held at the Madejski Stadium on the 25th May 2003 in a double header.

However both Pontypridd and Caerphilly still have to overcome tough opposition in the Semi Finals of their respective competitions before they get to the final. Unfortunately many people seem to have forgotten about Caerphilly and their European interests but the RDR team would like to wish the part timers from Caerphilly the best of luck on the weekend in the first leg of their Shield semi final and at the same time we wish Llanelli and Pontypridd the best of luck against Perpignan and London Wasps respectively.

• Two years left for foreign players 
  
  The foreign players who are currently playing for Welsh teams may have feared for their jobs recently as the introduction of provincial rugby in Wales will only require Welsh qualified players. However, David Moffett has stated that all existing contracts will be honoured for foreign players but in two years time there will be a limitation of just two foreigners per regional team.

• Other News

Swansea RFC have announced that their rearranged fixture with Pontypridd will take place on the 19th April at St Helens with a 2.30pm kick off.

Also, other rearranged fixtures include:

Neath vs. Swansea on 22nd April (kick off 19.05)

Pontypridd vs. Neath on 13th May (kick off 19.15)