Wru Reveals New Regional Structure

The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled its visionary new map for regional rugby.
At Kenfig Hill Rugby Club, one of many clubs to be drafted into a new region, WRU General Manager, Steve Lewis, announced the incorporation of the former Warriors region into a new four region structure.
The Bridgend area has come under the wings of the Neath-Swansea Ospreys while the Cardiff Blues region now extends not only to the valleys but reaches as far as Llandrindod Wells in south Powys.
However, despite the changes, Lewis stressed that the new boundaries would bring a new clarity to the development structure for the next generation of Wales stars.
He said: ‘Now there is a clear and concise pathway for youngsters to become pro players and reach the top. They now know where they are going to end up.’
The shake-up follows the sudden collapse of the Celtic Warriors region last month that saw the number of professional clubs in Wales cut from five to four amid an outcry from disgruntled supporters throughout Pontypridd and Bridgend.
But the WRU has appealed for rugby fans to remain positive and get behind the new structure for the good of the national game.
‘You can’t be part of both the solution and the problem, we must all get behind the new structure and be pulling in the same direction,’ said Lewis.
Meanwhile both the Blues and the Ospreys were adamant that the changes made would only make the game in Wales stronger.
Ospreys chief executive Andrew Donald admitted there may well be simmering anger over the closure of the Warriors but was quick to reassure alienated fans that his region would do all in its power to embrace them.
He said: ‘People are emotional and upset. Just because we have changed the boundaries does not mean people will automatically change their allegiance so we have no God given right to expect those supporters to come and watch us.
‘What we must do is but we aim to take that pain away by creating an attractive product that makes them want to be involved.’
Blues opposite number Robert Norster added; ‘We are in difficult times but we have every intention to embrace our half of the region and win over Warriors fans. The time for talking is over, it is action that speaks volumes.’