Fifth Welsh region plans unveiled
Welsh rugby chiefs are to press ahead with plans to create a development team in north Wales, after unveiling plans for a team called Gogledd Cymru on Monday, which could play in the semi-professional Welsh Premiership, and the Magners League and European Cups further down the line.
Welsh rugby chiefs are to press ahead with plans to create a development team in north Wales, after unveiling plans for a team called Gogledd Cymru on Monday, which could play in the semi-professional Welsh Premiership, and the Magners League and European Cups further down the line.
The Welsh Rugby Union have set up a working party looking at ways of best establishing the team within two years.
Fixtures might be drawn up against development teams being formulated by Wales' four professional regions – the Ospreys, Llanelli Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons.
The working party will also consider funding of the new side, and the administrative and coaching structure required to deliver its success.
Gogledd Cymru could play their first game during the 2010-11 season.
“We are committed to developing rugby in north Wales to a level which ensures every one of our young players has a clearly defined and simple route on to the pathway to the top,” WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said
“The recognition of north Wales as a development region and the establishment of this working party, are major steps forward in our focus on the north.
“North Wales already boasts some 3,000 active rugby players, which makes it strategically important for the development and sustainability of our national game.
“Wales is a small nation, and (national coach) Warren Gatland needs every single potential international player to be recognised, nurtured and fully developed.”
Meanwhile, another Welsh-driven initiative is being cautiously welcomed in Scotland, with SRU Chief Executive Gordon McKie saying he would be open to Heineken Cup qualification from the Magners League on as merit basis rather than the current quota system.
Scotland's two professional sides are guaranteed Heineken Cup rugby regardless of where they finish in the League, likewise three Welsh regions and three Irish regions, while the top-placed fourth region of one of the Welsh and Irish teams plays off against an Italian side for the final spot.
According to the Daily Telegraph McKie would welcome the proposed change – namely to make it straighforward Heineken Cup qualification for the top eight teams – Provided Welsh sides reduced their commitment to the EDF Energy Cup which disrupts the Magners schedule.
“We view it as a package,” said McKie.
“Until we understand all the constituent parts of the package it would be inappropriate to make comment on any one bit. You need to understand the full picture. We're due to talk about it in the near future.”