Welsh Rugby Stuff

[Weldit]

Welsh rugby crisis: Ospreys and Scarlets accuse WRU of funding U-turn

Ospreys and Scarlets accuse the Welsh Rugby Union of making a U-turn after the governing body announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides.

www.bbc.co.uk

What an odd statement from Scarlets and Ospreys. They've had months to sign the deal, but didn't. So the WRU are rightfully trying to look ahead and they don't like it.

 

[Bluemoon]

I think a 2+2 funding model would be a better way forward. It would also allow a simple route back to either a 3+1 or four fully funded regions if rugby in Wales can be lifted off the canvas in the future. Which 2 would be the question.

Imo Cardiff has to be one. I know their recent financial issues have cauaed many fans of the others to question why they should be given that right, but given they're the capital region, and by far the best supported, it just makes commercial sense.

Then who's the other. Dragons have signed the new RPA, so it may be as simple as that. But rewarding consistent failure isn't right, and it creates an east-west inbalance.

So for me the other well funded side would need to be one of Ospreys or Scarlets. Flip a coin there. One is in a bit of limbo as they transition to a new stadium, the other maybe doesn't have as high a potential ceiling due to being based in a small town, rarher than a city.

This is largely all my take too Dull, but I desperately don't want a team to go as whatever happens it'll cause short term damage and instability with the others. I can't see an other way than a two tier finding model given the finances. If they do reduce, whether there three new teams or one disappearing from the current three I'm not sure. The former would mean people's jobs, businesses closing etc - it'd be very complicated.

I'm a Cardiff fan, I'm finding it hard everyone talking about Cardiffs finances without understanding any one of the clubs could have been in this scenario if their backer was to suddenly stop putting money in that they'd agreed to do. It wasn't financial mismanagement per se, in fact they've been doing a lot to ensure they were financially stable. It doesn't mean Cardiff are any worse off in terms of revenue than the others, in fact it probably has the best chance of growth due to where it is and the current on the ground support. That's not to say I want the others to close, as I don't, I just think it's a little unfair to say they should close as they aren't viable in comparison to the others as they 'lasted longer'.

 

[dirty harry]

This is largely all my take too Dull, but I desperately don't want a team to go as whatever happens it'll cause short term damage and instability with the others. I can't see an other way than a two tier finding model given the finances. If they do reduce, whether there three new teams or one disappearing from the current three I'm not sure. The former would mean people's jobs, businesses closing etc - it'd be very complicated.

I'm a Cardiff fan, I'm finding it hard everyone talking about Cardiffs finances without understanding any one of the clubs could have been in this scenario if their backer was to suddenly stop putting money in that they'd agreed to do. It wasn't financial mismanagement per se, in fact they've been doing a lot to ensure they were financially stable. It doesn't mean Cardiff are any worse off in terms of revenue than the others, in fact it probably has the best chance of growth due to where it is and the current on the ground support. That's not to say I want the others to close, as I don't, I just think it's a little unfair to say they should close as they aren't viable in comparison to the others as they 'lasted

Realistically, Cardiff and Swansea hold the highest ceiling for club success, it seems that Scarlet and Dragons would be the underfunded 2, regardless of what either team are currently doing, they just don't have the population or potential.

I mean, to put a region in Llanelli in the first place was ludicrous, 50k people to represent 25% of the countries game.

But let's call a spade a spade here, regions rugby has failed, by its own promises, KPIs and standards, it hasn't worked out, and a generational group of players spent 10 years papering over the cracks.

 

[dirty harry]

Welsh rugby crisis: Ospreys and Scarlets accuse WRU of funding U-turn

Ospreys and Scarlets accuse the Welsh Rugby Union of making a U-turn after the governing body announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides.

www.bbc.co.uk

What an odd statement from Scarlets and Ospreys. They've had months to sign the deal, but didn't. So the WRU are rightfully trying to look ahead and they don't like it.

Is this surprising though, or even atypical for Welsh rugby?

 

[Weldit]

Is this surprising though, or even atypical for Welsh rugby?

Not really, but we all know the framing of this will be "it's the wru at fault."
Only going by what we know of course, but in this case it seems like the clubs weren't prepared to grow up. If that is the case, then I don't blame the WRU for plowing ahead.

 

[dirty harry]

Not really, but we all know the framing of this will be "it's the wru at fault."
Only going by what we know of course, but in this case it seems like the clubs weren't prepared to grow up. If that is the case, then I don't blame the WRU for plowing ahead.

I mean, I'm in a constant state of blaming the WRU also to be fair, but I agree, both clubs have a history of being stubborn and difficult.

In this specific matter the WRU gave them time, AND a deadline, and then kept on after the deadline. At some point the WRU had to start discussing options with the view that they would not sign.

This may all be a ruse however, and just a scare tactic to ensure the clubs sign, who knows?!

 

[Weldit]

I think a 2+2 funding model would be a better way forward. It would also allow a simple route back to either a 3+1 or four fully funded regions if rugby in Wales can be lifted off the canvas in the future. Which 2 would be the question.

Imo Cardiff has to be one. I know their recent financial issues have cauaed many fans of the others to question why they should be given that right, but given they're the capital region, and by far the best supported, it just makes commercial sense.

Then who's the other. Dragons have signed the new RPA, so it may be as simple as that. But rewarding consistent failure isn't right, and it creates an east-west inbalance.

So for me the other well funded side would need to be one of Ospreys or Scarlets. Flip a coin there. One is in a bit of limbo as they transition to a new stadium, the other maybe doesn't have as high a potential ceiling due to being based in a small town, rarher than a city.

Depends how you measure success. Dragons are the only one of the four that are financially stable. I do think that's a good idea though. Don't cut the teams, but push them up or down based on current situation.

 

[Weldit]

Confirmed this is the result of said club's not signing.

 

[higgik]

Realistically, Cardiff and Swansea hold the highest ceiling for club success, it seems that Scarlet and Dragons would be the underfunded 2, regardless of what either team are currently doing, they just don't have the population or potential.

I mean, to put a region in Llanelli in the first place was ludicrous, 50k people to represent 25% of the countries game.

But let's call a spade a spade here, regions rugby has failed, by its own promises, KPIs and standards, it hasn't worked out, and a generational group of players spent 10 years papering over the cracks.

Just look at the way Wales is economically, it is easy to justify, 2 teams.
Swansea Bay Eagles (Playing at PyS)
Cardiff Dragons

The important bit is to distance themselves from club rugby and bring in the top Welsh talent, making them the shop window.
Even change the kit colours to make them neutral, and have WRU contracts for some, (who could be traded into different teams)

 

[ChicagoKid]

I cannot imagine a country and sports organization more poorly run. Its baffling.

 

[dirty harry]

I cannot imagine a country and sports organization more poorly run. Its baffling.

We make Kabaddi look professional!!

 

[Weldit]

I cannot imagine a country and sports organization more poorly run. Its baffling.

You can't honestly think that. Have you seen the state of some of our politicians or sports organisers? The average person wouldn't get away with half as much.

I love how everyone automatically assumes it's the WRUs fault. From what we know, they worked out an agreement with companies, sponsors etc, put the agreement on the table for the clubs and they didn't sign. How is that their fault?

The WRU are seemingly now having to find alternative methods to keep the sport going.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I'm sure the WRU have it all in hand.

 

[ChicagoKid]

You can't honestly think that. Have you seen the state of some of our politicians or sports organisers? The average person wouldn't get away with half as much.

I love how everyone automatically assumes it's the WRUs fault. From what we know, they worked out an agreement with companies, sponsors etc, put the agreement on the table for the clubs and they didn't sign. How is that their fault?

The WRU are seemingly now having to find alternative methods to keep the sport going.

Are you American? Our sports organizations are money printing machines.

An NBA team just sold for more money than every single rugby club and international union combined. And it's the 3rd most popular sport in the country.

If world rugby was smart, they would hire some American sports execs from the NFL and let them start from scratch on most things.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Are you American? Our sports organizations are money printing machines.

An NBA team just sold for more money than every single rugby club and international union combined. And it's the 3rd most popular sport in the country.

If world rugby was smart, they would hire some American sports execs from the NFL and let them start from scratch on most things.

Yeah that's all well and good but American sports are absolute shite.

 

[ChicagoKid]

Yeah that's all well and good but American sports are absolute shite.

UFC
NFL
NBA
NHL

All shite huh?

 

[Welsh Exile]

UFC
NFL
NBA
NHL

All shite huh?

That is correct.

NFL - bastardised Rugby
NBA - bastardised Netball
NHL - bastardised Hockey

 

[ChicagoKid]

That is correct.

NFL - bastardised Rugby
NBA - bastardised Netball
NHL - bastardised Hockey

lol ok. By that logic, America is a bastardised UK.

 

[Welsh Exile]

lol ok. By that logic, America is a bastardised UK.

This is also correct. I'm glad we can agree on something my ex colonial friend.

 

[Welsh Exile]

UFC
NFL
NBA
NHL

All shite huh?

Well colour me embarrassed. Basketball is older than netball by a few years.

Both **** sports though.