Rugby Union: Squabbling must stop

WILL all sides on the British League row please now put down their weapons?

I've been appalled at some of the acrimony between officials, players and fans of various clubs over the past couple of weeks.

OK, the issue of exactly how many clubs get into the planned League - and who the WRU-funded so-called "super clubs" are going to be - is absolutely crucial to the future of the game.

But to start slinging mud from one clubhouse to another at this stage is absolute madness.

Newport and Pontypridd appear to feel they'll be left to scrap it out after the green light has been given to Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli.

Some of the letters in the local papers rubbishing the claims of rival clubs have been unbelievable. For Welsh rugby to descend into civil war over all this is crazy.

For the benefit of some Newport fans who seem to be ignorant of the facts, let's remind ourselves that over the past 10 years you haven't exactly covered yourselves in glory. And to the Ponty supporters who are up in arms at the prospect of being ignored, just remember five years ago you were nowhere near the top of the tree.

Newport are respected throughout the world for deeds like beating the All Blacks. They also have a thriving local economy. Ponty can boast great success in recent seasons and the biggest and most loyal fan following in Wales.

The same pros and cons can be put forward by Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli - and even Neath, Bridgend, Aberavon, Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly.

The point I'm making is that we must have a proper debate on this matter - not rush into an almighty scrap.

The WRU has to make clear just how the clubs are to be judged. How much will tradition mean? What value is put on recent success? Does fan following mean more than potential local sponsorship?

All these issues need to be debated at length. Only when we decide on the rules of the beauty contest can we decide who's the cutest.

Everyone is agreed that a British League is the way forward. But the road ahead needs to be smooth - not littered with the wreckage of more bitter battles.

The game has had enough of all that.

Copyright 1998 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.