Now though, it’s time for those of us who love the game, for its beauty and ferocity but also for its traditional, central role in the social and economic lives of our communities, to speak out about our concerns that the current mode of elite, regional rugby in Wales is jeopardising the long-term health of grassroots of support and participation, and consequently damaging our communities.

I’m clearly not alone in harbouring these concerns. By the time you read this, the 2000^th name will hopefully have been added to my petition calling on the WRU to Reform Regional Rugby. Whilst there is an impressive spread of signatures from across Wales and far beyond, most of the petitioners live in the South Wales Valleys, the region that, over the last decade, has felt most acutely the impact of the regional revolution and the retrenchment of professional rugby into the coastal strip south of the M4.

As Valleys MP and a rugby fanatic, I started the petition in order to reflect the extent of the hurt in communities that feel ‘disenfranchised’ by Welsh rugby’s ruling interests. Residents of traditional rugby communities – Pontypool, Ebbw Vale, Pontypridd and the Rhondda, Newbridge, Abertillery, Maesteg and, in different ways, Neath and Bridgend – feel increasingly alienated from, and indifferent to, the regional constructs – The Blues, Ospreys and Dragons – which were supposed to represent them.

This increasingly deep-rooted disconnection persists almost ten years after the creation of the regions. Two recent articles in UK-wide newspapers sum up the scale of the problem:

‘…the Welsh regions were cobbled together as a quick fix in a time of financial woe, and ignored by the public.’ The Observer(22.01.12)

‘Three out of the Four Wales regions are struggling so badly that the Welsh Rugby Union, desperate for so long to uphold the principle of regional rugby, are now at least allowing discussions with a view to re-vamping the scene, and returning the four clubs to their home cities.’ The Sunday Times (15.01.12)

So what went wrong? What, if any, is the role for politicians in debating the future of our national game? And, no matter who engages in the debate, is there anything that can be done to improve matters?

What went wrong is the easiest question to answer, because the evidence is fresh and compelling. Popular myth would tell you that Regional Rugby was the brainchild of just one man, David Moffett, the cosmopolitan rugby administrator who persuaded the WRU to abandon over 100 years of club identity, rivalry, heritage and heroes in exchange for the synthetic, rootless confection of ‘regional’ super-clubs.

The justification for the change was two-fold. In rugby terms, inspired by Mr Moffett’s Aussie antecedents, the idea was to boil down the player and coaching base to a more concentrate number of ‘professional’ and successful clubs, to underpin a revival of the national team. Far more important than the rugby, however, was the financial logic which drove the change, and here Mr Moffett was just a cog in a corporate and capitalist machine.

Let’s be clear, rugby wasn’t so much professionalised in 1995 as monetised and marketised. The transformation of the game from a community-led passion to a brand-manager’s commodity was effected at a Klondike pace and left the traditional supporters and guardians of the game gasping in its wake. Rugby as a newly packaged product demanded maximal returns, thus the gold fever rush to TV razzmatazz, bigger stadia, marquee players, corporate boxes and rich benefactors. Protest was swept aside in the name of this ‘progress’. Anyone harbouring reservations was dismissed as Luddite or worse, parochial, and obstructive of the greater good.

In hindsight, the pattern of this commodifcation is clear, and its victims – community, tradition, values and local control – are familiar from so many other walks of modern life where the market has triumphed. As familiar as the inequitable pattern of rewards from the process, whereby an elite (of players and administrators) have cashed in, commanding enormous salaries justified in part by their talent, but more so by the universal logic of the market: their labour is mobile and demand will dictate where they ply it. ‘TINA’, that soul-sapping rallying cry of modern capitalism, rings out from the WRU and their corporate outriders, just as it does from the bonus-wielding banking millionaires defending the indefensible: ‘If we want to compete, There Is No Alternative.’

The trouble with that logic is that it fails to recognise that not everything can be commoditised – at least not without some things losing their essence in the transformation. Welsh rugby is clearly one of those things. The unique traditions, sporting rivalries and social relationships, or the experience and fervour of Welsh club rugby simply could not be distilled and transferred to the regional clubs. The ‘product’ of professional Welsh rugby is therefore a thin and unsatisfying brew. And rugby fans know it – that’s why they are staying away.

Crowds at the regional games are poor, all but matched on occasion by those watching semi-pro matches at Pontypridd or Aberavon – both of whom saw attendances of 5000 at recent games. Concern is growing, too, that the popularity of football and rugby league (and the activism of their scouts) is filling a void, particularly in the Valleys, where the Union game was once king. Local kids increasingly look to sign for The Swans or The City, or worse, go north on League university scholarships, when once they might have been local heroes on the Sardis sward.

Now, critics like me must admit that internationally, we have improved from the 90s doldrums – albeit in fits and starts and, in 2005, with a backbone of players from the old order. The academy system does seem to be producing players of quality, capacity and commitment, showing perhaps that Moffett’s model of identifying and developing an elite cadre of young players may well breed international success. But at what cost?

Rugby, like football, is an ecosystem. The rules of the ecosystem apply as they do in nature: those at the apex of evolution may prey on lesser creatures, but they also need them to flourish – or the food source will dry up. The genetically-engineered super-clubs, elevated above the ‘feeder’ clubs of the Welsh Premiership and, even more importantly, above the traditional locations and loyalties and history of the game, are in danger of eating away the foundations on which they ought to be built.

Hyperbole or truth? Well, witness the club-level atrophy and fan-base apathy: the weeds that sprout from the terraces of our once proud clubs at Pooler Park or Eugene Cross and the barren fields of empty seats at their regional replacements are all the proof we should need. But some will still need persuading, especially those who insist on measuring the success of our game with an accountant’s slide rule. They should look to the ledgers of the super clubs themselves. By their own admission, they are failing on the open market.

Their business model is broken – predicated on attendances they cannot achieve and players they cannot afford.  That’s why a salary cap has been introduced. That’s why the WRU has commissioned its own accountants to review the ‘sustainability’ of our professional game and why rumours swirl that the ‘answer’ they hope to hear from the bean-counters is that further contraction is required. Three regions, anyone?  Two perhaps? This is Welsh rugby’s equivalent of George Osborne’s delusion of ‘Expansionary Fiscal Contraction’, and likely to lead to the same destination: reduced demand and a recession in activity.

Politicians should care about all this because it is too big a problem for the game’s administrators to be left to sort out. It is crucial that Welsh politicians – at Westminster, The Assembly and in Local Authorities – engage in this debate, especially those who represent the communities in which the great clubs of the Welsh Rugby Union are located: Pontypool, Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale, Neath, Abertillery, Newbridge, Caerphilly, Maesteg and Bridgend. We need to give voice to our constituents continuing anger and frustration at the emasculation of their clubs.

The downgrading of those clubs has inflicted social and economic harm on our communities: taking hundreds of thousands of pounds out of local economies and undermining institutions – the clubs – that had played vital roles as centres for social and intergenerational cohesion. Rugby remains one of the defining features of our communities’ identities.  We’re good at it, we’re known for it across the world. It ought to be one of the strengths that we can build on to market our communities as places where people want to live or locate their business. They understand that potential in France, for example, where Local Authorities support and subsidise their teams as part of the cultural ‘offer’ they sell to investors and residents alike.

So what can be done? First we can speak up, to publicly test and acknowledge extent of the problems and to challenge the game’s authorities to address them. Second, we can do what the WRU should have done in the first instance and ask the rugby communities of Wales what they actually want. And third, we can make suggestions as to how change might come about: what alternative models of ownership and control might reconnect the fans to the clubs; what enthusiasm might be sparked by greater concentration on historic club ‘brands’; what dynamism might be unleashed by smashing the closed shop of the regional clubs and exposing them to the healthy competition of promotion and relegation; and what are the opportunities for Valleys communities that location of professional rugby within them might unlock?

Local teams and local heroes provide more than just entertainment. They can be standard bearers for our communities in the world at large, sources of pride and spurs to ambition. The decision, therefore, to sacrifice such sporting traditions and social benefits, is surely one that should be subject to review.

That’s why I started the petition. That’s why we have commissioned research to answer the questions posed above. And that is why I am delighted that South Wales MPs are coming together to back the campaign. WalesHome readers will be welcome too. Join the campaign. Sign the petition. Join with Neath and Pontypridd fans to celebrate our rich heritage and demand an equally rich future at a rally after the match at Sardis Road on the 31^st of March. Stand up and be counted – the future of our game in Wales, and in the Valleys in particular, is at stake.

Owen Smith MP

www.waleshome.org

To sign Owen’s petition, go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby/

Head Coach Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad took time out from their busy training schedule this week to pay homage to the 13 Principality Premiership clubs (at times of appearances) that helped to get the players where they are today.

Every member of the squad, which has just returned from a pre-tournament training camp in Poland, has featured in Wales’ top club rugby competition for at least one club and each of the players were asked to nominate the side they felt most synonymous with.

In instances where players had featured for more than one club and they felt equal allegiances, the club was chosen for them, but, to-a-man, each player relished the opportunity to show a little piece of their personal heritage for the historic photo.

Llanelli RFC can boast to having made the greatest contribution to the current squad, they could almost field an entire backline of internationals, with a grand total of 10 players, including four uncapped, representing one of the WRU’s original member clubs – their players are: Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Lee Byrne, and the uncapped Liam Williams, Rhodri Jones, Aaron Shingler and Lou Reed. 

The next highest representation is from Wales ’ capital club, Cardiff , with five internationals including captain Sam Warburton, plus the uncapped wing Harry Robinson.

Neath have provided five players in the current squad and Aberavon, Bridgend, Glamorgan Wanderers, Pontypridd and Swansea have all sent two players each from grass roots to international stardom.

Single, but vital contributions, come from Cross Keys (Toby Faletau), Ebbw Vale (Dan Lydiate), Llandovery (George North) and Newport (Andy Powell).

“Welsh rugby must never forget its roots,” said WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis.

“Our premiership clubs are the foundation stones upon which the international game is built. This picture is a wonderful way of expressing how important the Principality Premiership is to Welsh rugby.

“The fact every member of the current squad has worked their way up through the pathway structure we have in place to develop players is something we should all be proud of.

“All the boys are extremely proud of their rugby heritage and they were very enthusiastic about taking part in this photograph.”

Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer of Principality Building Society, sponsors of the Premiership commented: ‘Principality believes that the Premiership is pivotal in the Welsh rugby triangle and this photograph demonstrates just how valuable the league is in developing young talent from the village playing field to the national game. We are extremely proud of the contribution we have made in supporting the success of the 6 Nations Squad.’

WALES’ 37-MAN RBS 6 NATIONS SQUAD PLAYERS ARE PICTURED REPRESENTING THE FOLLOWING CLUBS: 

• ABERAVON: Justin TIPURIC, Ashley BECK
• BRIDGEND: Ryan BEVINGTON, Ryan JONES, Rhys WEBB
• CARDIFF : Alex CUTHBERT, Bradley DAVIES, Rhys GILL, Leigh HALFPENNY, Jamie ROBERTS, Harry ROBINSON
• CARMARTHEN QUINS: Ken OWENS
• CROSS KEYS: Toby FALETAU
• EBBW VALE: Dan LYDIATE
• GLAMORGAN WANDERERS: Sam WARBURTON, Lloyd WILLIAMS
• LLANDOVERY: George NORTH
• LLANELLI: Lee BYRNE, Jonathan DAVIES, Rhodri JONES, Stephen JONES, Mike PHILLIPS, Rhys PRIESTLAND, Lou REED, Aaron SHINGLER, Liam WILLIAMS, Scott WILLIAMS
• NEATH: Ian EVANS, James HOOK, Paul JAMES, Adam JONES, Craig MITCHELL
• NEWPORT : Andy POWELL
• PONTYPRIDD: Gethin JENKINS, Matthew REES
• SWANSEA : Huw BENNETT, Gavin HENSON

Large format image: http://bit.ly/xujBCI

There are limited places available in the studio audience, with filming taking place in the BBC Club, Llandaf. The audience is required to be in place by 7:30pm with the programme going on air at 9pm.

For further information or to book a place, please contact Pontypridd Supporters’ Club secretary Alun Jones ASAP:

Mobile: 07815585439

E-mail: pontyalunjones@talktalk.net

Pontypridd RFC is proud to support the Welsh Blood Service and encourages all associated with the club who are fit and able to become blood donors.

"There are so many ways you could help the Welsh Blood Service. Becoming a regular Blood Donor is just the beginning!

And even if you’re unable to give blood there are other ways to help save lives. You can support us by talking to your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours about blood donation and encourage them to become a lifesaving donor.

From displaying a poster promoting one of our donation clinics to helping us encourage donors to come along, your support is so important to us!"

Attached is an itinerary of blood donor sessions in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area during the month of February.

The prestigious event, which is being promoted as a celebration of femininity, grace and inner strength, will be held in Buckland Hall in the Brecon Beacons. Miss Heart of Wales' main purpose is to showcase the exceptional women of Wales and support them in reaching their goals.

Emily will be one of thirty-one contestants making a bid for the title.

You can give your vote to Emily by texting HEART19 to 82727.

For more information about the contest log on to: www.missheartofwales.co.uk  

Three of the four home nations are represented in this year's semi-final line-up, with an all Irish tie set to take place when Leinster A host Munster A.

Munster will be hoping to push through to their second British & Irish Cup final, having lost to inaugural winners Cornish Pirates in May 2010.

Standing in their way are close rivals Leinster A, who topped Pool 3 with three wins and a draw against London Welsh. A comprehensive 32-0 home win against Pontypridd confirmed the Irish club's entry to the semi-finals.

In the second semi-final, newcomers Cross Keys have made their first year in the competition known, finishing top of Pool 2 just one point ahead of Munster A.

The Principality Premiership side will welcome Cornish Pirates to Pandy Park, following a dominant win over Llanelli in the quarter-finals.

The Pirates are the only team in the line-up to have won all four of their pool matches, securing their path to the semi-finals with a win over fellow RFU Championship contenders Nottingham Rugby.

British & Irish Cup semi-finals, April 6-8

Semi-final 1: Leinster A V Munster A

Semi-final 2: Cross Keys V Cornish Pirates

British & Irish Cup Final, April 28

The winner of Semi-final 1 will host the winner of Semi-final 2, meaning that for the first time in the competition's history, an Irish team will stage the British & Irish Cup final.

The feedback from this survey will provide important information for Owen Smith MP as he takes his case to the WRU.

A Valleys Region: we want your views

Below is a link to a questionnaire that forms part of a research project to test the feasibility of developing a new regional rugby team in the South Wales Valleys. This will provide important information about levels of support for a 'Valleys Region' and the potential economic and social impact of any such development. We would very much appreciate it if you could take 5-10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.  Your views are a crucial part of this research. 

www.surveymonkey.com/s/ValleysRegionSurvey

Rhanbarth i’r Cymoedd:  cyfle i chi i leisio barn

Isod ceir dolen i arolwg sydd yn rhan o brosiect ymchwil i brofi’r posibilrwydd o ddatblygu tîm rygbi rhanbarthol yng Nghymoedd y De. Bydd yr arolwg hwn yn darparu gwybodaeth hollbwysig ynglyn â’r lefel o gefnogaeth am ‘Ranbarth i’r Cymoedd’ a’r effeithiau economaidd a chymdeithasol posib gallai deillio o hynny. Byddwn yn gwerthfawrogi’n fawr petaech yn medru cymryd 5-10 munud i gwblhau’r holiadur. Mae eich barn chi yn rhan hanfodol o’r broses hon.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/ValleysRegionSurvey

A petition backing the call for regional reform is gathering momentum – if you have not already signed then please do so now, and pass the petition on to friends, family and colleagues.

The petition can be accessed on-line at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby

Paper copies of the petition can be printed off from the attached pdf document. Signed copies should be returned forthwith to the following address:

Office of Owen Smith MP
GMB House
Morgan Street
Pontypridd
Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF37 2DS

The support of other MPs across the South Wales Valleys area has been secured, and the national media are focusing on the issues raised.

An on-line petition launched at the outset of the campaign in early January is now steadily approaching the 2,000 signature mark.

To enable those without access to the electronic version, a paper copy of the petition has now been issued.

A copy of the petition is attached, can be printed off and distributed locally in shops, pubs, clubs and sporting venues.

Signed copies of the petition should be returned to:

Office of Owen Smith MP
GMB House
Morgan Street
Pontypridd
Rhondda Cynon Taf
CF37 2DS

Reflecting on the progress of the campaign, Owen Smith said:

“The WRU must understand the depth of  concern that exists among Welsh rugby fans and we can best do that by recording our protest and our opinions. I look forward to receiving many thousands of additional signatures in the coming weeks and months. The petition will eventually be passed to the WRU to inform their thinking about the future of the game, however, a copy of it will also be presented formally in Parliament by myself.”

The on-line petition can be accessed by logging on to:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby/

Hundreds of die-hard rugby fans have signed the online petition calling on the WRU to include a valleys side within the highest tier of the professional game.

But some Swalec League sides have questioned whether there is enough money in Welsh Rugby Union to start up a fifth outfit.

The WRU, under Australian Chief Executive David Moffet, transformed regional rugby in 2003 when five franchises were introduced to compete in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League.

The Celtic Warriors, which was one of the five original regions of the Welsh regional rugby era, was initially set up in 2003 for fans in Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend.

Welsh internationals Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Thomas, Richard Parks and Neil Jenkins all played their part in the side’s inaugural season in the Celtic League.

But the outfit folded a year later when Pontypridd RFC sold their half of the Warriors to Bridgend amidst financial uncertainty.

Ever since, Pontypridd RFC has run as a semi-professional side, with the Rhondda Cynon Taff side struggling to compete with its professional neighbours.

But now, with the Sardis Road side attracting stronger crowds - including a 5,000-plus attendance against Cardiff on Boxing Day - Pontypridd MP Owen Smith feels the time is right to kick-start another campaign to put the valleys back on the rugby map.

He has set up a financial review to look into the economic impact of a regional rugby side.

The report will be published on March 31 – the same day as a “regional rugby reform” rally is being scheduled at Sardis Road as Pontypridd entertain rivals Neath.

He said: “I urge local rugby fans to sign my online petition and help us gather a strong momentum to bring professional rugby back to the South Wales Valleys.

“The WRU needs to reform its current structure and help us get our great teams back to professional status. The current structure has led to an unfair concentration of power in the hands of the WRU and the regional superclubs, and some local clubs were completely done in by the changes.

“The bottom line is the WRU didn’t understand that rugby is based on traditional local identities and a sense of belonging. Our heritage in the game is so rich.

“This has to be a team for people who consider themselves from the valleys and the support has been overwhelming.

“We’ve got to make our voice heard and to force the WRU and their colleagues in the regional superclubs to concede that, whatever their protestations about finite resources or long-term contractual agreements, it is not acceptable for an elite of bureaucrats and bankrollers to declare that top-flight rugby will only be played south of the M4. That is neither fair nor democratic and it must not continue to go unchallenged.”

The petition urges the Welsh Rugby Union to reform its current organisational structure of regional rugby clubs to include professional valleys teams like Pontypridd RFC. It says the current organisation “does not accurately reflect traditional cultures and communities of rugby inWales”, leaving many Welsh rugby fans without any professional rugby teams to support.

The name Valley Commandos has already been mooted by Mr Smith and his supporters.

But his rallying cry has come under fire from opposition parties, who believe Mr Smith should focus on his own constituents.

Coun Mike Powell said: “He fails to remember that ‘the valleys’ have no team because it failed to find enough money when they had one.

“Furthermore, he fails to recognise the vast power small village clubs have over deciding what happens within the WRU.

“They have so far failed to ever vote themselves away from the professional game and probably never do under the outdated constitution – one club, one vote.”

As we went to press, more than 1,000 people had signed up to the site since January 3.

Greg Williams said: “This petition is a long time coming and would make sense.

“I'm from the Rhondda and we live and breathe rugby up there, but that was taken from us. Reverting back to the traditional way will not only increase gates but allow youngsters the chance to be seen within their borough.”

Paul Cleary said: “Reform a professional rugby team in the most passionate and fertile rugby territory inWales– the South Wales Valleys.”

Derek Goode said: “I predict that unless you change the system to include the valleys, in 20 years time Welsh Rugby will be like the Welsh football, with amateur leagues, few supporters and no chance against England. I have not been to any rugby game for eight years as I have no team to support but still feel very angry at the mess created.

“In fact a whole generation now play or watch football and the WRU have completely messed everything up.”

The WRU, as well as 300 rugby fans, are being invited to attend the launch of the economic report at a fundraising ‘Fightback’ dinner to be held at Sardis Road on March 31.

A WRU spokesman said: “The WRU is always willing to consider constructive and informed opinions and ideas related to the future of rugby in Wales at all levels.

“Some months ago Mr Smith met senior WRU officials and informed us he would be supplying the union with a considered proposal for change which we will study when it is delivered.”

The petition is available online:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby

In a guest article for Pontypridd Rugby Club’s programme, the town’s MP Owen Smith has set out the case for change.

Mr Smith’s article included an outspoken criticism of the WRU and the changes made to the top flights of Welsh rugby in recent years.

He wrote: “In short, we’ve got to organise to make our voice heard and to force the WRU and their colleagues in the regional super-clubs to concede that, whatever their protestations about finite resources or long-term contractual agreements, it is not acceptable for an elite of bureaucrats and bankrollers to declare, de facto, that top-flight rugby will only be played south of the M4. That is neither fair nor democratic and it must not continue to go unchallenged.”

Mr Smith’s petition, at www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby, states: “We, the undersigned, declare that the current ‘regional’ organisation of professional Welsh rugby does not reflect the traditional culture, communities or localities of the game in Wales; has failed to command the loyalty of supporters beyond the pre-regional fan-base of the city clubs and Llanelli RFC; has left many Welsh rugby fans, especially in the South Wales Valleys, without any professional rugby teams to support; and has led to an uncompetitive concentration of power and financial resource in the hands of the WRU and the regional super clubs.

“We call on the WRU to recognise the failings of the existing structure and to urgently reform regional rugby.”

Mr Smith has commissioned a report to assess the opportunity of bringing top-class rugby back to the Valleys.

It will be launched at a “fightback” dinner to be held at the Sardis Road ground of Pontypridd RFC on March 31 after the match against Neath.

A WRU spokesman said: “The Welsh Rugby Union is always willing to consider constructive and informed opinions and ideas related to the future of rugby inWalesat all levels. Some months ago Mr Smith met senior WRU officials and informed us he would be supplying the union with a considered proposal for change which we will study when it is delivered.”

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby

Richard received the award in front of an elite room of rugby guests and was humbled to receive such an incredible reception and award, he said; “I was totally gobsmacked and had no idea I was going to receive this award, it was such an amazing night and I was totally overwhelmed by the reception I received”.  “It was a real honour to be recognised by the RUWC and to receive this special award in front of so many rugby greats”.

RUWC chairman Paul Morgan said; “Richard was given the Rugby Writers' Club Special Award in recognition of his incredible achievement completing the 737 Challenge.  Richard follows some of the biggest names in the game including Phil Vickery, Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Ian McGeechan”.

He added; "We are proud to call Richard one of our brothers and he is a valued member of the rugby family.  So after his incredible achievement it was only right for him to be honoured in this way by the club.  He received a standing ovation from a packed room at the annual dinner.  Richard being as humble as he is was surprised to get the award but for us it was the least we could do to recognise his achievement”.

The Rugby Union Writers dinner, held inLondonalso saw fellow Welshman Sam Warburton collect the prestigious Pat Marshall Memorial Award.  The flanker was voted the Rugby Union Writers' Club's personality for 2011 topping the RUWC poll ahead of New Zealand's World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry, France captain Thierry Dusautoir and Wales wing Shane Williams.

Finally Richard stated; “I feel very lucky and privileged to have played professional rugby and am grateful for all that it has given me.  I am very proud and grateful for the support I have had from the rugby community throughout my 737 Challenge and it was an honour to receive the award amongst those people, it was a top night”.

Apart from the obvious (that we do the treble of course) my wish for 2012 is that it is the year when we stand up against vested interests.

First to be challenged should be the City of London, whose self-appointed leaders were responsible for many of the economic ills we now face, but not far behind on my list of unaccountable and unelected dictators (tongue firmly in cheek, Roger, so don’t get too touchy) are the vested interests of Welsh rugby.

Now some will say it unfair of me to compare the robber-baron bankers to the colourless administrators of the WRU, but for the dispossessed and destitute of Ponty or Pooler, say, the analogy feels just. And, what’s more, it’s clear that the two groups share some defining attitudes.

Both emphasise the primacy of money and the market (‘sustainability’ is the WRU’s latest code-word for cash) over other priorities or values of community, identity, co-operation or cohesion. And both dismiss any objection to their narrow perspective by invoking the patronising and defeatist doctrine of TINA: There Is No Alternative.

Well, I disagree. And in support of my case I call in evidence the 100 years when we did it differently in Welsh Rugby, and the many 1000s of us who have refused to bow to the Regional Junta since it was imposed a decade ago. But the time has now come to step up our protest, to move on from passive disengagement, and to start to fight-back.

In short, we’ve got to organise to make our voice heard and to force the WRU and their colleagues in the Regional Super-clubs to concede that, whatever their protestations about finite resources or long-term contractual agreements, it is not acceptable for an elite of bureaucrats and bankrollers to declare, de facto, that top-flight rugby will only be played south of the M4. That is neither fair nor democratic and it must not continue to go unchallenged.

Others may criticise my making such a fuss about rugby in the Valleys: it’s just a game, isn’t it? And, of course, there are many things more important than the game for our communities: jobs, poor health, housing and social engagement. But sport matters. It matters because it can help build community cohesion, it can instill pride and ambition, it can create jobs, wealth and opportunity.  Especially in a community like Pontypridd, where the prowess of our rugbymen and the international renown of our club are part of the bedrock of our town, it has the clear potential to be a catalyst and an engine for economic and social regeneration. It’s one of the things we’re good at and known for: our USP or brand, as the marketeers of the WRU might say.

And our politicians, locally and nationally, have got to buy into that vision and capitalise on it. They’ve got to dismiss the cliché that sport and politics don’t mix (tell that to French Councils who subsidise their local clubs and use them to market their communities as places to live and locate business). So what is this politician doing to help? First, I’m going to keep on saying it. Second, I’m going to help us build a case, starting by producing a report, commissioned from Wales’ leading economic and social impact consultancy to assess the opportunity of bringing top-class rugby back to the Valleys. And third, I’m going to invite the WRU – and 300 of the Ponty faithful -to attend the launch of that report at a fundraising ‘Fightback’ dinner to be held at Sardis Road on the 31^st March after the Ponty - Neath game. Ponty legends old and new will be present and speakers will include sportsmen, rugby writers and greats of the game - declaring their support for a campaign to reform regional rugby.

But most importantly our fans have to lead the charge. You can start by signing a new e-petition of the WRU at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reform-regional-rugby/  and by buying a ticket for the fundraising dinner, details of which will be posted on the Ponty Website in the coming weeks. C’mon the Pont! C’mon Valleys Rugby! 

Owen Smith

MP for Pontypridd

Pontypridd RFC is proud to be associated with the Welsh Blood Service, and urges all those who are involved with the club, and who are able to do so, to become blood donors.

“There are so many ways you could help us here at the Welsh Blood Service. Becoming a regular Blood Donor is just the beginning!

And even if you’re unable to give blood there are other ways to help save lives. You can support us by talking to your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours about blood donation and encourage them to become a lifesaving donor.

From displaying a poster promoting one of our donation clinics to helping us encourage donors to come along, your support is so important to us!”

Attached is an itinerary of blood donor sessions in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area during the month of January 2012.

This plan has proved to be robust so far but in an ever-changing environment, we need to ensure we take the time to properly consider the right strategies for the future not just today

Following joint discussions between the Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons the WRU over the past two months, both parties have agreed that a review will be undertaken by PwC, to be commissioned by the WRU.

WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "I have held a number of very constructive private meetings with representatives of the four Welsh regions which began in detail in November of this year.

"Over the course of our meetings we have discussed the many and varied challenges which face the professional game in Wales in this very demanding economic climate.

"Together we have agreed to explore what opportunities may exist between us to create greater sustainability for regional rugby based upon the review's findings.

"The Welsh Rugby Union's business model is centred upon a rolling five-year plan which guarantees support and investment into all levels of the game in Wales as well as the Millennium Stadium.

"This plan has proved to be robust so far but in an ever-changing environment, we need to ensure we take the time to properly consider the right strategies for the future not just today."

Chief Executive of Regional Rugby Wales, Stuart Gallacher, said: "It's another clear sign that both the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions intend to work as a team to ensure we fully understand the many and complex challenges involved in developing and improving our sport in a rapidly changing environment.

"The last few months, have clearly illustrated the success of our existing structures in nurturing and developing the wealth of talent that exists within rugby in Wales.

"We need to ensure we all work together to protect and further develop those structures and utilise all our collective resource to ensure Welsh rugby is healthy on every level."

* PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is one of the UK's leading audit companies and auditors of the WRU

Pontypridd MP Owen Smith said many people had been left without local sides to support since the game was reorganised 10 years ago.

Wales' four existing regions have announced a salary cap amid fears of falling crowds and a mass exodus of players to France.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said it was working to produce a sustainable model.

The regions will spend a maximum of £3.5m on their senior squads next year.

Under the current structure the four regional teams are based in Cardiff, Llanelli, Newport and Swansea.

Mr Smith told BBC Radio Wales that regional rugby had been developed "on the back of a fag packet" and left many in Wales such as those in the south Wales valleys without a regional club to support.

He has commissioned a review into the creation of a regional presence in the valleys.

"Why could we not think about revising the structure once more?" he asked.

"It's inevitable when you have got wealthier rugby communities like in France some of our players are going to go abroad - I think that's a fact of life.

"One of the things the regions have got right is the academy system clearly works - we are generating lots of players - there is the player capacity out there to have a greater number of sides but with a different economic structure."

Mr Smith's home consituency was originally represented by the Celtic Warriors, which was formed from a partnership between Pontypridd RFC and Bridgend RFC when Wales moved to regional teams in 2003.

Despite a successful first season on the field, the Celtic Warriors were disbanded the following year as a cost-cutting measure. Since then Pontypridd has been under the administrative umbrella of the Cardiff Blues, with Bridgend being absorbed by the Swansea-based Ospreys.

The WRU also launched a development regional side in north Wales in 2010, but the company running the Rygbi Gogledd Cymru team went into administration in January 2011 because of financial difficulties.

From July 2012 each of the four remaining regional teams - the Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys - will spend a maximum of £3.5m on Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup squad members.

Attendances for Heineken Cup matches in Wales are well behind those in England and France.

The RaboDirect PRO12 league, featuring teams from Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy, have lagged well behind England's Aviva Premiership during the current season.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said he welcomed the wage cap and the regions and WRU were looking at many other aspects of the club game.

"We are working together to come up with a model that is sustainable," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"We have got to win over the hearts and minds of everyone in Wales to connect with our rugby.

"We continue to produce young talent... and that's the confidence the Welsh public can take."

Neil MacLean-Smith, general secretary of the Welsh Rugby Players Association: "When you attend games you can tell that there aren't as many people turning up.

"As a player performance is hugely affected by attendance. A good crowd gives you that extra percentage in terms of drive and push.

"Welsh regional rugby is running on a knife-edge and the current economic conditions have tipped it over into the negative. Regional backers are not as flush as they were two or three years ago.

"Regions and WRU need to get round the table and find a joined-up approach to putting things right."

Parks made a return visit to Sardis Road for the match between two of his former clubs, and to be formally presented with his Pontypridd RFC cap.

The former Ponty and Wales flanker continues with his work of raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care through the 737 challenge appeal.

For the latest news on Richard Parks’ activities, or to make a valued donation, please log on to: www.737challenge.com

He will start his new role with the Blues in the first week of January.

Having had previous experience working as a former vice-president of corporate relations and sales at Celtic Manor and most recently Executive Director Chepstow and Hereford Racecourse, whilst also sitting on the operational board of Northern Racing, which operates nine race courses across the UK, including, Uttoxeter, Bath and Newcastle as well management agreement as own and operate Ffos Las, Richard has a wealth of experience in the sporting field.

Speaking of the appointment the 38-year-old said,

“I’m honoured, proud and excited to be appointed and the new Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Blues and am very much looking forward to starting in the new role in January.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time with Chepstow and Hereford Racecourse and would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me. My immediate focus is on delivering another Welsh National on the 27th of December which I’m sure will be a great occasion.”

“I’m very excited about the challenges that lie ahead with Cardiff Blues and taking over from Bob Norster, who has done a tremendous job. He is highly regarded in the rugby and commercial world.”

Hollandcomes from good rugby stock with his grandfather Phil Fletcher captaining the Cardiff RFC side during the 1932-33 season.

“I did play a bit of rugby in school and university and have got to know some of the players and staff at the Blues during my time as Chairman of Jamie Robinson’s testimonial committee so it will be good to see some familiar faces there when I start.”

“Finally I’d like to thank Peter Thomas and the rest of the board for giving me this opportunity and look forward to working with them and the rest of the staff at the Blues as we look to drive the business onwards together.”

Cardiff Blues Chairman Peter Thomas added,

“We are glad to be able to announce Richard Holland will be starting in his new role as Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Officer in January 2012.”

“Richard has gained a considerable amount of experience in the commercial environment during his time at the Celtic Manor and Chepstow Racecourse and I’m sure he will do a great job in bringing this expertise to the rugby arena.”

“It is an exciting time for the Blues and Richard will lead a team of hard working, highly dedicated staff as we aim to move the Blues forward and I’m confident he will do an excellent job.”

“I would also like to put on record my gratitude and indebtedness to Bob Norster for all his hard work and dedication to this institution and indeed to Welsh Rugby for so long and the last 10 years as our CEO.”

“During his time in that role, Bob has overseen the formation of our Region that resulted from the restructuring of the game inWalestogether with the major tasks of relocating both training and playing facilities. We thank him sincerely for his considerable efforts in helping to deliver such change that underpinned the team’s most recent Cup successes both at home and abroad with our team still currently residing in the top tier of the Heineken Cup competition.”

In a one-off event, the UK’s best known explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes came together with former Welsh international rugby player, turned record setting adventurer Richard Parks, at the University of Glamorgan.

Richard Parks was awarded the ‘Chancellors Medal’ at an event to mark the opening of a new lecture theatre in the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science and in honour of his work in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

At the same event, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, whose career inspired Richard’s own adventures, gave a lecture on his life and adventures.

Following a career ending shoulder injury, Richard was inspired by reading Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ book “Mad, bad and dangerous to know” and a sentence from his late Grandmother’s Eulogy; “The Horizon is only the limit of our sight”.  Both gave Richard the courage and inspiration to confront his fears, depression, anxiety and unanswered questions by creating The 737 Challenge.

On Tuesday 12th July 2011 Richard made history completing his world first 737 Challenge in 6 months, 11 days, 7 hours and 53 minutes.

The event saw University of Glamorgan Vice-Chancellor Julie Lydon present Richard with the ‘Chancellors Medal’ in front of students, Richard’s family, friends and 737 Challenge team.

Vice-Chancellor Julie Lydon stated; “We are thrilled to be presenting Richard with the Chancellor’s Medal. The determination and skill he has demonstrated in the Challenge is exceptional, as is his commitment to raising much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The University is proud to have formed this association with Richard and we look forward to working with him in the future.”

A hugely proud Richard said; “I am really proud to have been awarded the Chancellors Medal last night.  As well as the actual recognition of the award, the night was really special as I was able to share it with family, the 737 Challenge team, Sir Ran and the students”.

“It was also really special to be awarded by the University of Glamorgan as I did some of the early physiological testing during the preparation for the 737 Challenge at the University.  Having been born in Pontypridd and played for Pontypridd it was an honour to be awarded the Chancellors Medal here and it was a fantastic night”.

HELP RICHARD RAISE £1m IN AID OF MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE - DONATE NOW

www.737challenge.com 

This December, in the lead up to Christmas, please consider giving the best gift ever by becoming a blood donor.

“The Welsh Blood Service organises the collection, testing, processing and distribution of blood. We rely entirely on voluntary donors to maintain supplies to Welsh hospitals.

Today we are required to supply 400 donations a day to the hospitals of Wales. A single donation can be broken down into its different components, so it can be used in various ways.”

Attached is an itinerary of blood donor sessions in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area during the month of December.

www.welsh-blood.org.uk 

Scarlets flanker Richie Pugh led Wales to the Plate title in the Gold Coast Sevens after they were dumped out of the main draw after losing their quarter final to eventual champions Fiji. The Welsh dusted themselves down after that disappointment but then beat France and Samoa to claim the Plate competition to secure 13 points.

This weekend Wales have been grouped with Australia, Canada and Scotland, none of who can be classed as tournament favourites so Wales have a genuine chance of reaching the knockout stages for the second week running.

Wales head coach Paul John paid tribute to his young squad who served notice that they will be a major threat to the top tier nations as the series continues.

"We had a good afternoon on the second day of the Gold Coast Sevens," said John. "The boys may have lost 33-5 in the quarter-finals against Fiji but for the first six minutes we played really well and should have been three tries to nil up.

"We only scored one, dropped one over the line and dropped another with 20 metres to go and the defence scramling across. Fiji kept the ball in the second half and proved what a great side they are and scored four tries.

"We hardly touched the ball in the second spell which meant us going in to the Plate and playing France in the semi - this also proved to be a tough game but once again the young squad came through under the leadership of Richie Pugh, Rhys Shellard and Alex Walker."

That victory set up a Plate final against Samoa where the big hitting south sea islanders had to play second fiddle to Wales as the rampant Dragons ran out 26-15 victors.

"That was an excellent performance against a top tier seven's nation," concluded John. "This was a great achievement for a relatively young and inexperienced squad. We had six new boys and two others who had only played two tournaments so it's fair to say every member of the squad made a huge contribution to the success of the weekend."

Following their win on the Gold Coast, Fiji have a lead in the HSBC Sevens World Series. They currently lie on 22 points ahead of New Zealand (19), South Africa (17), Australia (15) and Wales (13).