New rugby board created in Wales

[Draggs]

A new professional body created to strengthen and develop professional rugby in Wales, both on and off the field, is being established by the WRU and the four Welsh regions.

The Professional Regional Game Board (PRGB ) is being formed following considerable and constructive discussion between the WRU and the Regions (the Scarlets, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues) following an independent review into the regional game.

• To underpin, support and maximise performance of the national teams
• To improve the overall financial management of the Regions
• To help retain senior Welsh internationals playing in Wales where appropriate
• To develop Welsh international players
• To achieve four Regions which can effectively compete at the top of European rugby within five years
• To support the Principality Premiership
• To ensure the continued support and development of the community game
• To ensure the continued sustainability of the Millennium Stadium

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/24319.php

So... Central Contracts?

 

[psychic duck]

To help retain senior Welsh internationals playing in Wales

A bit late in this case ...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20607179

 

[Amiga500]

Is this the solution?


I think the WRU actually owning the clubs is prob the way to go about it...

 

[TPenn]

Is this the solution?


I think the WRU actually owning the clubs is prob the way to go about it...

I don't. I don't think central contracts are the answer either. I think the WRU and the regions just need to work together without constantly sniping at each other.

It's hard to know what this board will accomplish, if anything. If I had to guess, I think the regions will be split into two camps. Cardiff and Newport will vote together and Ospreys and Scarlets the same. One half (Carport/Newdiff) would welcome central contracts and also the idea of WRU picking which teams players play for. Ospreys and Scarlets would favour WRU compensation being proportional to the number of internationals provided, and also more say in player welfare for Team Wales players.

 

[Amiga500]

I don't. I don't think central contracts are the answer either. I think the WRU and the regions just need to work together without constantly sniping at each other.

It's hard to know what this board will accomplish, if anything. If I had to guess, I think the regions will be split into two camps. Cardiff and Newport will vote together and Ospreys and Scarlets the same. One half (Carport/Newdiff) would welcome central contracts and also the idea of WRU picking which teams players play for. Ospreys and Scarlets would favour WRU compensation being proportional to the number of internationals provided, and also more say in player welfare for Team Wales players.

Yes, it remains to be seen just how much power this board has.

It is hard to say how to best run the game in Wales. Do the regions have academys? Do youth players have a strong identity with their region?

Would WRU (not affiliated to any region) academies around the country with players drafted every year (a la NFL) on central contracts work?


I definitely think Eddie Butler was onto something when he pointed out having the Welsh Premiership games on the same time as the Pro12 is crazy. It forces people to choose between one or the other rather than be happy with both.

 

[Draggs]

Who should we put on an central contract that could be up to go?

Scarlets:
Ken Owens
Aaron Shingler
George North
Jonathan Davies

Ospreys:
(Adam and Ryan already signed on with club)
Alun Wyn Jones
Ian Evans
Justin Tipuric
Dan Biggar
Ashley Beck

Blues:
Bradley Davies
Sam Warburton
Andries Pretorius/Michael Paterson/Josh Navidi
Alex Cuthbert
Leigh Halfpenny

Dragons:
Toby Faletau
Tom Prydie

I would be up for putting some 'light' CCs out for younger players (Patchell, Habberfield, Morgan, Dixon) in a bit.