WRU rubbish Aberavon's claims
July 17, 2002

The Welsh Rugby Union have slammed Aberavon's claims to a place in the top flight in Wales.

The Division One champions will bid at the WRU extraordinary general meeting on Saturday to be voted into the Premier Division for next season. That EGM will follow the WRU annual general meeting at Port Talbot Civic Centre.

In a letter to member clubs on the board of directors' behalf, WRU secretary Dennis Gethin writes, "The first division champions had every opportunity to reach the Premier Division via the home-and-away play-off games with Caerphilly.

"The reason Aberavon failed to make the grade is because they were beaten over the two legs. The (WRU) membership have already determined there will be automatic promotion and relegation to and from the Premier Division for the 2002-2003 season.

"With the start of the 2002-2003 a little over six weeks away any vote in favour of the motion would cause chaos to the fixture lists already published.

"The introduction of a 10th, currently semi-professional team would mean the existing professional clubs in the Premier Division would have their financial planning undermined.

"Aberavon are guaranteed 34 fixtures in the 18-strong First Division next season with a minimum of one Principality Cup-tie.

"With the draws for the Heineken Cup, Parker Pen Challenge Cup and Celtic League having already taken place, it would mean they could only play 18 matches and a minimum of one Principality Cup game."

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