And Who Said The WRU Were Petty?

By Zippy
December 16 2004

The WRU reach new lows of pettiness in their decision to deduct points from many clubs. For the full story and reaction on this bizarre decision read on.

The Welsh Rugby Union's Regulatory Committee met on Monday 13th December 2004. At that meeting the following sanctions were applied to clubs:-

Premiership: Bridgend RFC,postponement of fixture with Llandovery RFC on 19th November 2004. Following an inquiry, held under Rule 9 b (ii) of the National League Rules, the Regulatory Committee was dissatisfied with the
Club's explanation as to the club's explanation for the reasons for the postponement.3 point deduction from total of League points.

Newbridge RFC, postponement of fixture with Carmarthen RFC on 17th November 2004. Following an inquiry, held under Rule 9 b (ii) of the National League Rules, the Regulatory Committee was dissatisfied with the club's explanation as to the Club's explanation for the reasons for the
postponement.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League Two West, Tondu RFC: a) Fielding an ineligible player in fixture with Newcastle Emlyn RFC on 30th October 2004.
b) Failure to fulfil fixture against Mumbles RFC on 4th December 2004.
3 point deduction from total of League points on both counts. Total of six points deducted from Club's total of League points.

League 5 South, EastCanton RFC: Failure to fulfil fixture with Ogmore Vale RFC on 30th October 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League 5 West,Furnace RFC: Failure to fulfil fixture with Penygroes RFC on Saturday 23rd October 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League 3 East, Dinas Powys RFC: Failure to fulfil fixtures with Blaina RFC on 16th October 2004 and Abercarn RFC on 27th November 2004. 3 point deduction from total of League points on both counts. Total of six points deducted from
Club's total of League points.

League One, Brynmawr RFC: Failure to fulfil fixtures with Beddau RFC on 6th October 2004 and Llangennech RFC on 4th December 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points on both counts. Total of six points deducted from Club's total of League points.

League 5 West,Llanybydder RFC: Failure to fulfil fixture with St Davids RFC on 27th November 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League 5 East, Gwernyfed RFC: Failure to fulfil fixture with Machen RFC on 4th December 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League 4 West, Gowerton RFC: Fielding ineligible players in the fixture with Cefneithin RFC on 16th October 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

League 5 South, WestPontardawe RFC: Fielding an ineligible player in the fixture with Abercrave RFC on 30th October 2004.3 point deduction from total of League points.

A Club's total number of League points will not show as less than zero during the playing season.

Clubs have a right to appeal within 14 days of notification of the sanction.

These decisions are subject to ratification by the WRU Board of Directors on January 27.

Zippy Reaction

The pen pushers strike a blow for extreme pettiness everywhere, I can only comment on the facts of the Bridgend fine, Bridgend had one fit prop and the club went out to every local rugby club in the area to see if they could have a prop on permit. As most of the clubs had fixtures they were unable to provide cover so Bridgend posponed the game for safety reasons. I suspect many of the clubs in lower Division do not have the luxury of a mid table position like Bridgend. For Newbridge it could head them into oblivion.

Well done the WRU for focussing on the REAL issues facing the Welsh game.