Advertisement
©INPHO/Huw Evans
statement wars

'WRU has failed miserably': Welsh regions angrily reiterate backing for RCC with 'facts'

‘It is yet to be explained why bringing an additional £12m into the game is not in the best interests of Welsh rugby.’

RUGBY REGIONS WALES, the body representing the Scarlets, Blues, Ospreys and Dragons have today issued a pointed statement in response to the union’s promise to present a new participation agreement.

The regions’ current agreement with the union ends this summer along the the ERC Accord governing European competition and, last week, the Regions went against their union in offering support for the proposed breakaway Rugby Champions Cup.

Today, they have underlined that position with an extensive statement ‘in order to establish important facts and provide clarity’.

The Regions declare it ‘disrespectful’ and ‘scaremongering’ that the WRU remain unwilling to endorse the RCC which, the Regions say; “will bring the biggest increase of funding into the Welsh game in five years.

“It will increase funding to the Irish clubs and protect the Scottish clubs. Bringing in £12m in three years into the Welsh game does not threaten the Six Nations or bring about its demise.”

You can read the full statement here, where the RRW asserts in strong terms that they have managed to negotiate the biggest increase in funding for five years, before adding:

“The WRU has failed miserably to negotiate equitable and fair revenue distribution for Welsh clubs in line with clubs in England and France.”

The Regions maintain that they wish to work together with the union and bring the WRU outside of the ERC umbrella rather than break away, but complain that they have had “no choice” but to seek out alternatives.

They also add that the WRU’s proposed payment of of £1 million for player development and retention was a “hollow stunt” as it came with the conditions of re-signing the participation agreement.

Should Paddy Jackson or Ruan Pienaar place-kick for Ulster?

Irish-influenced Grenoble pull off shock victory in Toulon

Your Voice
Readers Comments
12
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.