I Give My Thoughts On The Plan For Welsh Rugby

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

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[@agc2757]

My issue with this is that there are no ways listed on how the WRU will actually go about achieving these pretty lofty goals. I guess we'll see if they come out in due time.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

By all accounts, they lay the plan out in October and will have a better idea of which direction to go in

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, No4, Financial stability for the union and regions, were do we start on this. Players cuts,no wonder we not playing well ,a cut in the payers wages it's like real life if you have your wages dropped why should you perform the same for less money. this is happening to our players and I don't blame them, like I said before where is the money gone the WRU made over £23M in 2019 after the 6N grand slam and the Japan World cup. No1, Ranked in the top 5 that is possible, we done this in the past in the early Warren days and most of the 2010's even so in the 2018-19 season. Put money in to the players and the players will return and we will be in the top 5 at one point 5-6 years ago we were ranked No1 but most of the time we were 2,3,4 in the rankings not bad for a little country of 3.15 million As always great to hear from you, have a good one, we will be back, Take care

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Hi Mate To be fair you have been taking about the mismanagement of funds for a while. You're right, where did that money go? Wasted on freebies no doubt lol. I really do think this is the start of something good though mate. This board seam a lo more clued up as to what needs to be done than the idiots before. We can hope anyway. Take care pal

[@clivesilver463]

Its going to be tough, very tough to get us back on par with Ireland England France and Scotland, I agree we are at rock bottom the success of Wales at International not only papered of the cracks the Walls had turned to rubble. It really comes down to counting, not enough people are going to the regional games, with the quality of rugby so poor with the odd bright moment, people like to see top quality players , they are leaving for pastures green, not enough youngsters are playing the game, when I was at school every form year had a team, and there were plenty of local clubs to join and when you went to a club there were 50 to 80 kids training, now all I see is kids playing football. The six nations is going over to sky and for many youngsters their first introduction to the game is on free to air, I hope they can turn things around, we have such a fantastic rugby heritage in Wales it will be such a shame to see it flushed down the toilet.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yes, such a good comment Clive well put over. The six nations moving off free to air Would be a travesty for rugby. If they agree to this, then it’s a slippery slope and rugby will become even more of a niche market than it already is. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen😬

[@Omg-gf7li]

@@clivesilver463 the scots are 70 % foreigners the Irish have 5 foreigners in their starting starting 15 , the English are raiding our game , a country of over 60 million people having to raid Wales , the world rugby have turned the game into a joke with the best teams have the highest budget

[@xxwales15xx33]

The WRU's number 1 priority is to try and merge the reigions with the English league. Our rugby culture is very tribal and having grudge matches against English teams season after season will massively boost the market and popularity for the pro game in Wales. I still haven't forgiven the WRU for regecting the offer made in 1999 for 5 Welsh clubs in the Top English league

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah you were so right. Funny enough I was reading about that last week in “what went wrong with Welsh rugby book” have you read it?

[@montybrewster7]

You have to take your hats off to these clowns in suits. The utter hubris of them, "I have said it therefore it shall be so." No plan for how they are going to achieve these obvious goals & worse still, little or no acknowledgement of the budget cuts they will impose on our regions going forward! And they think we’re are all dumb enough to fall for that again? But i suppose none of that really matters as long as the WRU is expending it's property portfolio & increasing revenue (& executive bonus pot no doubt) right! I’ll never get over them ploughing £60m into developing the westgate hotel while our regions are dying! Staggering! I know i am one of the more pessimistic (realistic) commenters on your channel but come on! A turnover of over £101m in 2023 & drastic cuts made to the budgets of the only asset that should be of any importance, our regions & yet they are losing £15m a year? I’m no economist to be fair but i think anyone with an ounce sense would be asking where is that money is going? Oh no, let me guess....grass roots rugby! I’d love to know what constitutes ‘grass roots rugby’ in the eyes of the wru suits because in my 53 years i am not aware of any of that money making it to local ‘grass roots’ clubs like my local club. Absolute clowns, every single one of them! But that’s just my opinion. Thanks for the video dude, sorry for the doom & gloom comment...again!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

No, you’re so right and it certainly is important to question where a lot of that money has gone. When you consider how much money, the golden generation made for the union with their 10 years of general success, and then we come out the other end of it, and were broke. I totally get the scepticism of the WRU and the board because I feel the same way too and they’ve never shown as anything other than poor stuardship , but I think we do need to give these guys the benefit of the doubt for now and see what plan they come up with in October and then maybe judge them from that point I’m not sure Either way, we’re in a bad way😂

[@Omg-gf7li]

@@montybrewster7 your so right

[@MartinJames-s3n]

WRU need to look at improving the TV coverage of the URC. The semi final and final were not available on terrestrial TV being behind a pay wall. How can the rugby public buy into this competition unless they can watch it!? 😊

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, hundred percent right. Also I’m not sure what the situation with the EDC will be, but I don’t think they televised or put on their KZbin enough premiership matches. One a week on S4C KZbin isn’t going to grow awareness for the lower levels.

[@MartinJames-s3n]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Premier Sport show all the games but pubs don't have that channel because it isn't worth the extra expense - why can't the TV rights be sold to Sky or TNT which is found in many pubs? BBC/S4C coverage has been better this year but only when Welsh teams are involved!

[@glaslynx123]

Wish I was as optimistic as you, but seems like kicking the can down the road . They've had time to come up with something more than a wish list to justify their inflated salaries Action needs taking now, not in five years , cut a region, and cut the number of snouts in the trough Be interesting to see what blather they come up with in October

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

The issue is what region do you cut? I feel like we will lose so many fans if we do cut a region and fan numbers ae already dwindling

[@agc2757]

The region situation is bit of a catch 22. Either keep them all and they'll likely flounder in the lower half of the URC, or cut one or even two and cause more anger and alienation with the fans...

[@glaslynx123]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Unfortunately Christian, I would have to say my favourite region Dragons . We haven't got a magic money tree like the Senedd, so cuts have to be made somewhere Dragons have some quality players but frustratingly have never realised their potential Newport did really well in the Premiership this year so there would still be a class team for the fans to support at Rodney Parade, and the Dragons money and players could be used to boost the other "regions" Success gets the turnstiles clicking and revenue coming in

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Point taken. So as a Dragons fan Would you only follow Newport or would you support another region? Speaking for myself, if Cardiff were liquidated, Although I already obviously support all of the Welsh regions I wouldn’t be going to any other grounds to support other teams if I’m being totally honest. I will just watch from home

[@glaslynx123]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast If a Welsh club is playing anywhere i'll support them, (except Ebbw 😂🤣) . As for actually going to the games , I work most weekends so not possible . If I get a weekend off I'd go watch local village side or have a day out in Newport to experience the thrills and bright lights 🥴 . Dragons or Black and Ambers not bothered really

[@markmacken1]

Great summary.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers mate 👍🏼

[@timotimo4152]

I don't think they've commited to 4 regions for the duration of the 5 yr plan? I think they've said it's their preferred structure but that's dependent on filling the funding gap? There's a 2 year notice for the hypothetical cutting of a team.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

You could be right, my reading of it was that after five years, they would review whether they could afford four maybe I’m wrong with that one🤷🏻‍♂️

[@timotimo4152]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I agree, it's unclear. Frankly, if your 5 year plan is a continuing presence in the world top five and competitive teams in knock out rugby...then if you fail to do that, your 5 year plan hasn't worked! If you then have a 2 year notice to cull a pro side then it's 7 years of failed goals / objectives?

[@gallois3]

it’s all about money: regions’ funding 4-5 million each, Toulouse budget 47 million. no wonder players going abroad. it’s gonna be tough…

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I don’t think we’ll ever get to that point. It’s completely Incomparable, The difference in budget or we can hope is that the WRu find some way to close the gap🙏🏼

[@spud7823]

We need school a tournement, around the country to get intrest in the grassroots.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah agreed the W are you really need to go hard at schools and youth rugby. Increase interest and participation and hopefully downstream more money will come in. Hopefully that’s their idea

[@WelshRugbyPhysio]

Regional Rugby / WRU Need to progress medical aspects in regional rugby to match that of Prem Rugby / RFU as a start or better still match IRFU and their provinces

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Is it quite far behind then?

[@WelshRugbyPhysio]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I think the gap is closing but majority don’t have the same medical budget as English prem teams have

[@matthewharries5895]

Can you do a video on the team you would like to see play Australia in the first test. Would love to debate that with you

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’ve recorded it today mate. Great minds think alike 😂 Just need to edit it and it will be out tomorrow or Sunday 👍🏼

[@matthewharries5895]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast hahah fantastic. Looking forward to seeing what you think!

[@cro649]

Respect your positivity but Abi Tierney in a position of influence and leadership is terrifying. Gatland offered his resignation and not only did she reject it she basically intimated that she wasn't even going to consiser what prompted him to offer it or whether it might actually be best. He even marked his own homework. She is completely lost in the trance that Gatland uses on all his cult members. She's like precocious Mowgli, oblivious to Ka as his spinning, hypnotic eyes and false words entrance her. In her interview with Cuthbert and the other chap she said some nonsense about plans and then said she doesn't know how the regions will be funded or how many there will be. How can you set goals for the regions before you know that? But back to Gatland... she parroted his nonsense about too many non Welsh players in the regions. The ospreys have one or two max and they are the most successful and he ignores some of their top performers causing them to leave Wales and inevitably either replaced by kids or non Welsh stop gaps. She parroted his point about depth. He picked a team full of Ospreys in his first campaign so what did that say about depth in the others at that time? Besides, we have depth in the positions we have usually had depth in and in the others we don't normally have it like second row. Tighthead and loosehead we only ever had 2 good options max anyway. The problem is the age profile because Gatland didn't do any succession planning previously. She didn't mention him forcing Carre, Nicky Smith and maybe Morgan Morris eventually out of Wales in positions we are weak in. He's on thin ice but rather than being pushed to answer for his erratic selections, he's being given a huge role in shaping things. Very worrying.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Both really interesting comments and both your points are really spot on👌🏼 I guess my positivity come from the fact that we’ve had no leadership or clarity on where we are going for so long that I’m hopeful come October we have a clear strategy and direction where we are heading. Either way the game in wales isn’t in a good spot and I’m praying that they can pull us out. All of this remains to be seen though and as we’ve seen. Historically we’ve always been let down by the WRU so this may of corse continue

[@cro649]

@user-bv5lc1nf5d great comment from yourself, also. The player strikes are a reflection on the WRU, absolutely but the glut of u-turn retirements, walk outs and then those leaving Wales to play is a reflection on Gatland. Couldn't agree more with what you said. Tierney's advocates always say she's getting stick for being a woman. It's nonsense every man who has been useless before her has had stick too. I don't care if the person who sorts this out is male or female. I just want the best person for the job and to be enthusiastic about Welsh rugby again. On the coaching side, three words. Ring Franco Smith.

[@cro649]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast Hey it's good you are able to try and be positive. If we're all doom and gloom all the time it would be hopeless! Keep up the good work!

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Lofty goals but it all is going to need MONEY and unless they ca n FIND Alot extra IT'S ALL JUST TALK They have until October to fin the extra money and at the moment i just cannot see where they are going to find / get it Without closing one of the regions

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, it’s a tough one mate. Unless we start seeing some real noticeable increases in attendance is at regional level. I don’t see how their budget will increase and I don’t see where the WRU are going to make up that amount of a sizable deficit

[@isitwasit8756]

The biggest mistake was the decision making around regional rugby which led to total alienation of historical rugby communities which led to dwindling crowds and money to the club.. wru old git mentality and blatent rugby politics.. I still find it astounding that a massive area and historical hotbed to Welsh rugby the valleys from pontypridd all the way up to the Rhondda has no top flight rugby played to inspire the youth to want to play rugby.. grass roots is absolutely everything for success but lack of opportunity for aspiring kids in those areas is depressing to say the least.. slashing regions is putting a plaster over a gaping wound in Welsh rugby.. Cardiff Llanelli are not regions in same forced methods of other regions.. those 2 kept their identity and those who know Welsh rugby were not surprised at those 2 clubs keeping their club names .. ospreys and warriors were only regions who actually merged .. I could go on but it's pointless .. the club scene needs total turning on its head to bring back the fans in numbers to inject some real interest into the domestic game and inspire the youth in those areas..

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah you’re so right, the fact that the valleys and basically everything above South Wales is ignored it’s just not good enough really. I’m not really sure what the answer is now because we’ve ploughed 20+ years into this regional model with a young generation, growing up with no memory Of what it was like before the regions, and then if you reshuffle it now and restart again, you’ve just wasted the last 20 years🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidlee55]

So were short 35m from my understanding. 20m debt and have been running at a 15m deficite. Abi Tierney our new CEO has also said that for our regions to be competitive they need 6.5m they are currently runnint at 4.5m hence why yeah scrapping the regions is a short quick solution. However, the WRU make most of its money from international games because the regions arent competitive. If the regions aren't competitive the welsh national side isnt. If you average what the margin of victory/loss is for all the regions together you get they on average lose by 9 points. Guess what the average for the Wales was in the six nations. 9 points. 8m roughly gets all 4 regions competitive (in theory) but 2 million could push the Ospreys from Plays off to semi-final/final. Surely investing in one region that is being competitive should be rewarded? You make it competitive then. Play well get more money simple.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Really interesting read David. Your point about the margin of loss is so interesting and I had not seen that before now and it’s such a clear indication of the correlation. Cut in a region is an easy see right now, but ultimately team Wales will not have As many players to pick from, and the fact that youngsters are often get an opportunity to play in the regions, means you’re a lot more likely to unearth some gems Unfortunately, none of it is black and white, and it will ultimately come down to money as everything does so we will see what happens, but I agree with you increasing the funding will hopefully in the long haul bring more success and with it more money

[@davidlee55]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast you won't see it advertised I worked it out myself 😂 Yes I want to keep 4 regions but I can see short term value in increasing the budgets of regions that show they are competing and reward that with more money.

[@jrr239]

1. Not her fault, because she wasn't in charge then, but why wasn't she asked: "Why, despite 'covid', have all the other Home nations continued to perform very well & Italy massively improved, and yet Welsh Rugby has dramatically declined? Sick of the WRU constantly using the same argument (i.e covid) to justify their terrible business management for decades. I recall Roger Lewis claiming the WRU was in a healthy financial situation, so was all this mess the doing of the next man in a suit ('Phillips') who got a golden handshake I recall? And for what? He was financially rewarded for failure. Why can't these journalists do their jobs and ask the tough questions & hold this shambolic organisation to account. 2. Abi Tierney has been in situ since August 2023. Why has nobody asked her why it's taken 10 months to come up with a list of 5 completely obvious points of Strategy, and with no actual plan around how that will be achieved? No, we have to wait another 4 months until October for that, apparently! Walker said we'd all know by June. Laughable. What, 5 lines that we all knew already & could've saved their ££££Consultants fees by sending them on a postcard! They take us for fools. She mentioned 'Consultants', and they'll have spent a small fortune on them when they've apparently got no money. Why doesn't someone ask that question? Surely someone of her expertise, & with her various 'committees' could have run these internal Strategy meetings themselves and saved some money? That's what other organisations do. I know because I've run them myself with Chief Executives. After 10 months of waiting this is all very poor. Not sure why people think it isn't 🤔 3. They've sold the TV Rights to the 2 Australia games to Sky, so that most fans won't be able to watch it unless they get into debt with Sky. Cheers Abi & WRU!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

It’s a real tough one because everything you say is spot-on and I think everyone deserves a portion of the blame particularly the former regimes who have seemingly wasted a lot of money I do agree though that they are taking their time with coming up with a clear strategy, but realistically that could be a good thing because I’m hoping they view that time to really dig down what is needed and getting real understanding of how rugby works so that then they know The best way to get us out of this mess All I’m saying is there being far more transparent and clear than previous regimes and for that reason I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being and give them an opportunity to prove me wrong alright either way 😬

[@RRTNZ]

Ocei, mae nodau gyda nhw....ond SUT wnan nhw gyflawni'r nodau?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Plan yn do mas yn autumn 😬

[@RRTNZ]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast efallai

[@stephenthomas9531]

I think we will go down to 2 regions in time simply down to cost. The WRU are not fit for purpose in running the game

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I really hope not. I just don’t think it’s good for the Welsh rugby doing that. Obviously though money rules the world

[@LazMan-w2g]

Whats wrong with Welsh Rugby? The people running it. How much did they spend coming up with what is in essence a wish list?. Wish in one hand, sh@t in the other and lets see which hand fills up first.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Seams like a pattern thats been going on since I can remember. Not sure if things will ever get better 😂

[@fazeobama6606]

for me the dragons still need to go they've never really had any success and it's just no longer sustainable. 3 regions or even 2 being east and west would work better in my eyes although I understand this gets rid of jobs and is way easier said than done

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I don’t think it’s the answer or the best thing for Welsh rugby. In my opinion, more teams gets more exposure for young players, although money rules the world so undoubtedly a team will get cut eventually

[@Omg-gf7li]

That's why there's no money their waisting it on the women's game the wru are woke and woke means broke

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think its probably more the mismanagement of funds over the last 20 years that probably lined us up where we are not Women's rugby. I think the women's game is going to continue to grow so we need to be at the forefront

[@SVAgxlxxi]

💯💯💯

[@worldallycat]

Growing the women's game is a good thing in my opinion.

[@timotimo4152]

@@worldallycat Of course it is. In all the areas of the game, this is the one with most obvious short term revenue making potential. A full stadium watching 6 nations / world cup games, with associated revenues from broadcasters is more than possible. Frankly; the wormens game is probably more watchable than many mens games.

[@davidlee55]

So having more games that make money and considering we only have a squads worth of players on very low contracts but because it's women it's a waste of money. Wow old fashioned thinking or what and bad business sense.