David Moffett says he has backing of enough Welsh rugby clubs to call an EGM

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DAVID Moffett says he has the backing of enough rugby clubs in Wales to force the Welsh Rugby Union to hold an extraordinary general meeting.

At a press conference in Cardiff, the former Welsh Rugby Union chief revealed that his campaign to bring about radical change to the way the game is being governed in Wales had the support of 51 member clubs.

The EGM has been called against a backdrop of disharmony in the Welsh game.

The four regions have still to sign a fresh participation agreement to replace the one that runs out at the end of next month, while disquiet has been expressed over plans to restructure the lower leagues.

The WRU have largely opted not to engage with Moffett publicly since he began his campaign to bring about change, but Welsh rugby is now heading for a showdown.

In a statement issued following his press conference, Moffett said that the WRU must now front up because questions needed to be answered, particularly at grassroots level, highlighting nine specific issues to be raised at the EGM.

The statement read: “Through the hard work of my small team and much needed help from others, more than 50 clubs have decided that questions need to be answered at an EGM. This is the largest number of clubs to call for an EGM in Welsh rugby history.

“But rather than rejoicing at this result, which many thought impossible to achieve, my overwhelming feeling is one of profound sadness.

“I’m really sad that it’s come to this. I have had to come half way around the world because Welsh rugby isn’t where it should be.

“How optimistic am I that matters can be improved? To be honest, it wouldn’t take much to improve matters. There’d be a massive improvement, a massive change.

“I shall now spend the time prior to the EGM talking to clubs to explain in greater detail the content and potential outcomes.”

The WRU responded to Moffett’s call by issuing a statement confirming an EGM will take place.

The statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union is preparing to call an Extraordinary General Meeting of member clubs after today (May 22) receiving a sufficient number of written applications.

“Forty three of the applications are from member clubs of the WRU, with four of that total from the regions.

“These applications appear on initial examination to be valid. Eight further nominations for an EGM from non WRU member clubs are not valid under the constitution of the governing body.

“The WRU welcomes the opportunity to address the issues raised by the clubs through an open and well informed debate.

“The proposed league restructure appears to be the primary issue in the nomination letters.

“The WRU is determined to provide all the information the 43 member clubs require within the EGM forum.

“Under the constitution of the WRU the governing body will give member clubs notice of an EGM within 21 days ensuring that date gives clubs a reasonable time to brief delegates to attend on their behalf.

“The meeting itself will take place no later than 28 days after the clubs are informed of the date and venue.

“Although all the applications were received in the same delivery today, the WRU will accelerate the verification process to ensure the EGM date and venue can be confirmed as soon as possible.”

The last EGM of the WRU took place in 2007.

Article source: http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ruddock-believes-big-guns-will-be-wary-of-worldclass-ireland-29320891.html

David Moffett says he has backing of enough Welsh rugby clubs to call an EGM