The board met on Thursday and announced afterwards: “We are actively progressing with an investment strategy and are exploring several options to strengthen the core business.
“One of the options widely publicised has been of a possible merger with another region. After reviewing the commercial and political viability of such a merger, this option was unanimously rejected by the board and no further discussions will take place.”
The decision comes on the back of 3,000 fans signing a petition rejecting the merger before last weekend’s match against Biarritz. The board’s decision is the final say on a matter that many fans believed was dead in the water from the day Cardiff chairman Peter Thomas suggested it.
“The board is fully committed to strengthening and developing regional rugby through the Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC,” the statement continued.
The board hit back at reports that the Cardiff Athletic Club – owners of the Arms Park – would stop the Blues playing at the famous ground.
“We reiterate to all supporters that we will vigorously defend any action taken against us that would jeopardise the playing of regional and premiership rugby at Cardiff Arms Park.”
