'One region must go'- Scarlets director Ron Jones addresses the state of Welsh Rugby
Yesterday at 11:39 AM
The director of the Scarlets, Ron Jones has implied that the Welsh Rugby Union cannot afford to run four regional sides, and that at least one will have to go.
Wales has four professional teams that currently play in the United Rugby Championship, Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC. Regional rugby was introduced in 2003, which included five teams before it was later reduced to four.
Speaking on S4C's Newyddion programme, Jones said: "The idea that we can afford four professional clubs in Wales is for the fairies.
"Welsh rugby is in huge financial trouble and we don't seem to be able to react sufficiently to deal with what could be a fatal amount of damage to the game unless we balance what we're doing with the money we think is coming in.
"We have to come down to three or two regions to reflect the financial realities of Welsh rugby.
"Over the years, there's been a fear inside the union of criticism and so difficult decisions get deferred.
"We've seen that with Gatland's dismissal. I think we're going to be seeing it as well with the decision to stay with four regions when, in their gut, they must know that it isn't the right way forward to present a good future for Welsh rugby," added Jones.
Abi Tierney has been at the forefront of the WRU for over a year now having been appointed as chief executive, but the Scarlets director believes that the Union hasn't made any sort of impact. Wales are currently on a streak of 14-Test defeats and earlier in the week they sacked head coach, Warren Gatland half way through this year's Six Nations.
"One has to question how can you take so long before any decisions are taken or any improvements are seen in any single aspect of Welsh rugby," he explained.
"I think journalists have been slow to ask what has actually happened, what has changed for the better during their time.
"In most parts of business, they wouldn't be given the luxury of a year without having to make any announcements about what they think needs to be done longer-term and actually showing evidence things are happening.
"It's difficult to have faith in the union at the moment when one can't see where the acceptance of the financial realities of the game are," Jones insisted.
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