Charter Nearly There
By Paul French
September 22 2004
Wales's three remaining dissenting regions are on the verge of agreeing to the Welsh Rugby Unions new charter, with only small print a sticking point.
WRU general manager Steve Lewis is convinced that sooner rather than later both parties will arrive at an agreement.
"We had a positive and constructive meeting yesterday when all the outstanding issues were addressed.
"I'm confident we can move forward and that the three remaining regions will be able to sign in the next day or two."
The main area of concern for Llanelli Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Newport-Gwent Dragons was over the charters longevity, with the regions wanting five year agreement opposed to the three years offered to them.
Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher insisted that the delay in putting pen to paper was only down to a small hitch;
"It is a far ranging document. It's not like the old loyalty agreement which was four pages. This is 72 pages and it's been a bean-feast for the lawyers to be honest," Gallacher said
"It's an important document which binds the four regions to the WRU for 10 years. We had to make sure on our part we got it right, and the Union made sure it got exactly what it needed.
"It does take some time, but I'm hopeful we'll see the conclusion of it all on Wednesday."
Gallacher though confirmed that the Scarlets were keen on following their regional neighbors the Ospreys into the charter, meaning they would adopt a Wales first policy, with the WRU and Mike Ruddock have a direct say in matters on and off the pitch, including the appointment of regional coaches and a 32 game limit for Welsh internationals.
Foreign players will also reduced to two per region at the beginning of next season.
WRU officials will be hoping that talks do not end in a similar fashion that of those with Welsh Youth went.
Failure to sign a national age group agreement has brought about the union responsible for under eighteen rugby in Wales's demise, with power handed directly to the WRU.
Development manager Mostyn Richards believed it was an unfortunate, but necessary move;
We just wanted them to accept a contract that all affiliated organisations should be accountable to the union," he said.
"The union must have the leading say in policy, selection and finances.
"We also insisted that it was the role of a fully professional union to run representative rugby.
"There is little place for the amateur in the international field.
"The Youth could not accept this and we informed them that our £90,000 grant would be withdrawn.
"As a result their officers asked us to take over the running of all aspects of the game."
With a fine record in recent seasons' including a string of home nations titles it remains to be seen whether such an unprecedented move is really necessary.
Another Trebanos Boy
Rhodri Jones will link up with former Swansea team mate Arwel Thomas at Stradey Park.
With the Scarlets desperate for scrum half cover, Jones out of favour at Newport Gwent Dragons, has signed a one year deal.
Thirty-three year Wales A international Jones will replace Dale Burn who was involved in a car accident in July.
Stuart Gallacher said; “With the Heineken Cup now imminent, it is vital to have three scrum halves registered for Europe and with the uncertainty over Dale Burn, we have agreed the transfer of Rhodri Jones from the Dragons until the end of the season”.
More Monty
As
expected Dragons' full back Percy Montgomery has pledged his future to the region by penning a new three year contract.
The South African who made a successful return to his countries colours, is without doubt a vital component of the Rodney Parade based side, with 220 points in Dragons colours last season despite missing the opening three months through suspension, due to his infamous ref pushing incident.
"We are all delighted that one of world rugby's best players has pledged his future with us. It is a huge boost for the team and supporters," said Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos.
"Monty epitomises professionalism, and he is a tremendous role model. His commitment to the team is second to none, underlined by the fact that he played in three different positions last season - full-back, centre and fly-half.
"He is an integral part of the Dragons' ambitions and what we want to achieve as a squad."
Montgomery added: "I am very happy to be back with the Dragons - the decision to extend my contract was an easy one."
Whilst Montgomery is set to make his return to Celtic League rugby against Leinster on October 1st after an extended break following his Tri Nations exploits, Wales scrum half Gareth Cooper is set for his first start of the season against Glasgow on Friday night.
Coach Chris Anderson, now with a league win under his belt has also re-called Michael Owen from injury as the Dragons' look to avenge their Hughenden nightmare from last season.
Owen though will have to make do with a lock berth, opposed to his desired back row spot.
Dragons Team: K Morgan, G Wyatt, H Luscombe, S Tuipulotu, N Brew, C Sweeney, G Cooper, R Snow, S Jones, C
Anthony or R Thomas, I Gough, M Owen, J Ringer, R Bryan, J Forster (captain).
Replacements: J Bryant, C Warlow, G Baber, A Black, J Richards, P Sidoli, R Beattie or R Oakley.
Going Japanese
The rugby world cup could be set for unfamiliar territory, that's if Japan get their way and lure rugby's premier tournament to the land of the rising sun.
Japanese officials are convinced that such a move could only be positive for the game, in an attempt to broaden it's internationals appeal outside of it's usual strongholds.
"We think, and the IRB thinks, that it is time for rugby to go global." Said JRFU secretary Koji Tokumasu
"Japan is ready to host the tournament and we are looking forward to welcoming the world of rugby to Japan."
"As well as having the infrastructure in place, Japan also has the commercial clout to host one of sport's top competitions," he said.
Japan has the fourth largest number of registered players in the World, and Super Twelve and Tri nations rugby has a strong television following.
However a more traditional option is likely to present itself for 2011, with New Zealand wanting to put their
disastrous attempt to co-host with Australia a year ago, behind them.
Home | Previous News | Comment | Web Feedback |