Warriors Doomed
By Lestyn
May 18 2004
Valleys rugby faces a desperately uncertain future, after Leighton Samuel sold his half of the Celtic Warriors, subsequently handing the region into the control of the WRU, who are likely to disband them after just one season in existence.
There are undoubtedly mixed reactions to a move that will see just four fully pro entities in Wales from next season.
Warriors fans who having had to put up with so much in-fighting and regular outbursts from Leighton Samuel, now find themselves without a team
to support at the highest level of Welsh rugby.
On the other hand such a move will put to rest most worries about a possible cash crisis in the game and the over reliance on benefactors.
Judging by Cardiff's pack it is plain to see we don't have enough players of a decent enough standard to go round five outfits.
Yet it is still worrying to see the emergence of the much feared "big four" with teams based in Llanelli, Swansea, Cardiff and
Newport, all south of the M4.
Unsurprisingly according to todays Western mail the other four regions have contributed to part of the money that has bought Samuel and
Bridgend out. There is little reason they would do that other than to strengthen themselves, with the mass of surplus players and coaches
departing the Brewery field.
No doubt the WRU have always wanted four teams all along, but they have to realise the massive identity they are removing from the game. The
scars they are ab open will take a long time to heal, if they do at all.
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