Warriors-Blues Merger Proposed
By Web Team
January 6 2004
The Celtic Warriors and Cardiff Blues have been in discussions over a possible merger from as early as next season. For more news on this read on.
Below are two articles relating to the news that the Cardiff Blues and Celtic Warriors have been discussing the possibility of merging from the start of next season.
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SHOCK MERGER PLANS
www.icwales.co.uk article
CARDIFF Blues and Celtic Warriors were today discussing a sensational merger.
The Welsh Rugby Union has received a plan from the two outfits proposing they join forces from next season, which would mean the top tier of the domestic game being represented by just four sides.
"It is a possibility," confirmed Warriors executive director John Samuel today.
"The WRU are aware of the plan and we are waiting to hear their response.
"This is very sensitive and it still depends on a few mechanics.
"We may know more by close of play today.
"That's about all I can say at the moment."
The move would mark a seismic shift in the structure of the Welsh game and inevitably spark intense debate across the region at the prospect of the Pontypridd, Bridgend and Cardiff identities becoming further diluted.
But those who have campaigned for a reduction in the number of top tier sides - WRU chief executive David Moffett is one who has argued the Welsh game can only sustain four top level sides - will view the development as a step in the right direction.
Financial problems at all five regional sides in Wales and the fact the Blues, Dragons and Ospreys all look incapable of competing at the highest level, are the main triggers for further reduction in numbers at the highest level.
At present the five regions share a cash pot of around £7m, but a slim-down would mean a greater share for everyone.
Performances on and off the field at the Arms Park were also debated fully at the club's annual general meeting last night.
However if the move is rubber-stamped it will lead to massive upheaval across both regions with inevitable job losses for players, coaches and administrative staff.
And the coaching situation would be a particularly moot point, with Lynn Howells, Dai Young, Allan Lewis and Geraint John all competing for jobs.
Blues and Warriors Seek Merger
www.bbc.co.uk/wales/sport article
Two of Welsh rugby's newly-formed regional sides want to join forces.Cardiff Blues and Celtic Warriors have already held talks with the Welsh Rugby Union about a possible merger.
The idea, apparently prompted by financial problems at Cardiff, is expected to be put forward for approval at Friday's WRU board meeting.
If the merger bid is successful, it would reduce the number of Welsh regions from five to four at the start of the 2004-05 season.
Blues chairman Peter Thomas met his Warriors counterpart Leighton Samuel on Monday and the pair discussed the proposals with WRU chief executive David Moffett a day later.
"I can confirm that I have been in discussions with both Peter Thomas and Leighton Samuel to consider the possibility of merging the two regions," Moffett said.
Moffett revealed that he has been considering the proposal, in tandem with WRU chairman David Pickering, since before the Christmas period.
The proposal, still at a preliminary stage will now be put officially before the WRU board of directors on Friday.
"I think it is important that we continue to discuss every option that might improve professional club rugby in Wales," said Moffett.
The new region would have equal board representation between the Warriors and the Blues, with the WRU also playing a role.
Moffett has been backed by Samuel in his bid for just four regional sides.
"(Wales coach) Steve Hansen, David Moffett and most chairman all wanted just four regions," said Samuel.
"We've got half the population of Scotland yet two regions more than them - it doesn't make sense.
"A merger - and we've only just begun talking about it, nothing has been decided at all - would be the next stage forward."
However, there will be the tricky subject of player redundancies to address if the two sides do become one for next season.
No decision has been made about where the team will play their home games, but Cardiff Arms Park is the likely venue because of the superior facilities.