Club discussing possibility of Cardiff Arms Park future
Future home?
By Chris
August 3 2014
Speculation is hotting up concerning the future base of South Wales Scorpions RLFC, with noises coming out of the club suggesting a return to Cardiff Arms Park and fans invited to give their thoughts on the club's recent clash in the Welsh capital.
486 were in attendance as the Scorpions claimed their first home win in over twelve months, with a late drop-goal sealing a memorable victory over London Skolars.
It was the first competiitve game of rugby league at the Arms Park since 1998 - but players and supporters alike have responded positively to the venture, with the club indicating that a return is very much on the cards.
The recent introduction of a new plastic playing surface at the ground could make regular fixtures at the historic venue a more realistic prospect for Mike Grady's men.
Speaking on Facebook after the fixture, the club said: "It could be a turning point ... Could you see a move to Cardiff full or part-time? We're already talking about more than one fixture there next year.
"A big city move could bring in more sponsorship and more fans but would it lose a community aspect that a smaller town could give?"
Following four seasons in Neath, in which the club often struggled to establish itself in the town, a move to Maesteg this season has been met by a mixed reaction from fans.
Attendances at the Old Parish have averaged 265, with the 150 at the recent Championship One clash against Oxford comfortably the lowest yet.
Despite this, however, the Scorpions have been welcomed to the area enthusiastically by Maesteg RFC, whilst the club's Academy has established a base at Maesteg School. This relationship has helped secure the future of the club following the departure from West Glamorgan.
Such support is unlikely from Cardiff - but a move to the Welsh capital, should it be possible, would attract wider benefits, such as increased visibility to prospective supporters, a far larger fan base to appeal and, it seems, would be welcomed by many involved with the club.
For long-suffering rugby league fans in South Wales, the very exsistence of a club to support cannot be taken for granted. Establishing itself at the correct venue is key to securing the club's future, and it would seem discussions are again very much afoot regarding what location will give the Scorpions the best chance to succeed.
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Playing more games at CAP would be brilliant for me personally!
Food for thought...
Maybe a percentage of gate receipts to Cardiff RFC meaning they push the games along with the club.
It is important it is a calculated decision and not at all a gamble with the clubs future.
For as long as the Scorpions have existed, and possibly for some of the Crusaders period, the C word gets regularly mentioned and dismissed only to re-appear at a future date.
Much like the runway perhaps the trick is to keep asking the question until you get the answer you want...