Ponty fans angry over Bridgend move
November 19, 2003

Pontypridd supporters are threatening to take legal action over plans to play all Celtic Warriors games at Bridgend.

Pontypridd make up one half of the regional Celtic Warriors team with Bridgend, but Ponty have recently gone to administration.

Regional backer Leighton Samuel says the facilities at Pontypridd's Sardis Road ground are not up to scratch.

But Pontypridd supporter's club secretary Alun Jones told the WRU website: "This is not regional rugby. The valleys of Wales have now been disenfranchised and pledges given freely and openly by those who run the Warriors set-up have been broken.

"The levels of disgust, hurt, anger and no little venom expressed by Pontypridd/Warriors has prompted the Supporters Club and others to raise a petition," Jones said.

"Supporters are also actively seeking legal advice with a view to having Sardis Road games rescheduled at Sardis Road or to seek financial compensation."

Samuel defended his decision, saying: "Change is inevitable to survive and progress.

"Rugby, like it or not, is a business - profit and loss reports, cash flow forecasts and balance sheets are an everyday and integral part of rugby life. Whilst passion and pride are vital elements to success you cannot survive on these ingredients alone."

Samuel said the Warriors would provide free transport to and from Sardis Road and honour all season tickets.

"I am personally financing probably the strongest squad in Welsh regional rugby," he said.

"We can provide top-class facilities at the Brewery Field. I still plan to build a £15 million all-seater stadium in the Rhondda Cynon Taff region.''

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