Welsh rugby
WRU facing grassroots rebellion
ESPN Staff
May 4, 2014

The Welsh Rugby Union is facing a revolt by more than 100 clubs after plans to restructure the National League were met with "anger and despair".

The WRU plans to scrap divisions four to seven and replace them with 13 sub-divisions compiled on a geographical basis. But clubs have accused the WRU of ignoring concerns about safety due to mis-matched clubs playing each other in the new system.

John Manders, chairman of Cardiff-based Old Illtydians told the Rugby Paper: "The WRU are putting in place something which will not work. Worse still, they are putting it in place without any consultation with the clubs.

"The mood is one of anger and despair. These clubs are the very bedrock of Welsh rugby. Without us there is no Welsh rugby. We feel we have been left out of the loop. We are not averse to change but we have a right to be informed.

"The change to the league structure is massive and it will have massive consequences. Who has come up with this plan and why? We don't get to know anything."

Former WRU chief executive David Moffett has called for an extraordinary general meeting on the issue, citing safety concerns ahead of the reorganisation. Moffett said: "Not only will it mean mismatches with some Division Six and Seven clubs playing those currently in Division Three, but there are also potentially massive safety risks."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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