Valleys Rugby determined to form fifth Welsh region
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Valleys Rugby (VR) remain determined to form a fifth region following a recent meeting with the Welsh Rugby Union.
A joint statement has been issued that said both organisations would work to explore ways of bringing in new funds and improving facilities.
But even though there was no mention of any future creation of a fifth region, VR board member Adrian Hadley says that remains the ultimate goal.
"They [WRU] were very supportive of what we are trying to do," said Hadley.
"And [they] have sent us away to explore certain avenues to try and move the whole project forward.
"We are looking for a fifth region within the valleys area but we understand the constraints the union are under at the moment with the participation agreement with the four other regions.
"They are all struggling for cash.
"We need to put some infrastructure into the valleys - as Conwy Council have done in North Wales - get involvement within the community, and then increase the participation of rugby within the Valleys at all levels, to, hopefully, get an elite team there."
Early plans outlined by VR when they launched in April 2012 involved playing matches at various club venues around the country, including some in north Wales.
But they are now examining the potential of locating the team at one primary home - either through re-developing an existing stadium such as Pontypridd's Sardis Road, or building a new multi-purpose community stadium with local authority assistance.
Former Wales dual-code wing Hadley added: "We need to look for a facility within the region, whether it be a current ground, or a brand new ground, and build from there.
"But it's still our aim to create a professional outfit within the valleys."
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That's why we win the ERC every year then? All of the players who won the GS in 2005 cut their teeth prior to regional rugby being formed, btw.
Regions are supported by a minority of fans along the M4 corridor, bankrolled by the WELSH Rugby Union. Most of Wales is disenfranchised. We need a Valleys club and a North Wales club in the top flight for starters.
We struggle with four because we've disenfranchised half of Wales. It's not about transport but representation. The Blues no more represent the Valleys than they do Newport.
2002 rugby goes regional - 2005 Wales first Grand Slam since 1978.
To the poster who commented on the Scarlets debt of £5.5m, that's a nonsense. They have no bank debt. You are confusing losses over a number of seasons, some of which covered the period of the move to PYS, with actual debt. Recruiting well at the moment mind
I think it's something they should stick with as the valleys do need a pro team but can't see it being pulled off for at least five years.
All regions should be forced to move some games, possibly EDF games to other venues, as the Ospreys have done in Bridgend. Some of the Blues games should be in Pontypridd, Dragons games in Ebbw Vale.
Not disputing the efforts of the Ospreys with the youngsters at all. Kids growing up with the current system will no doubt benefit from it. I am merely stating that it is difficult to adjust for me having grown up supporting BRFC and having such high hopes for the Celtic warriors.
I am sure there are many supporters who will agree with us both.
You're entitled to your opinion but Im from Bridgend & support the Ospreys totally. Wales couldnt support more than 4 teams & the Ospreys have done terrific youth work in bridgend.
do i wish the old club system had been viable? YES. but it wasnt & welsh rugby wouldve been dead long ago had we stuck with it. with record ST numbers, the next gen of fans are arriving. we're building nicely.
Truth is that the WRU got it wrong in the east of Wales, that is where the finger of blame should be pointed.
maybe the team could build a following. im sceptical as to whether it can work out, but they do seem to looking down some interesting avenues for money. good luck to them.