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 Tuesday, 17 December, 2002, 23:57 GMT
Moffett will not walk away
WRU chief executive David Moffett
David Moffett is prepared to ruffle a few feathers
David Moffett has said he will not walk away from his post if Welsh clubs reject his proposals for the future of professional rugby.

Moffett, the Welsh Rugby Union's new chief executive, has been handed the unenviable task of re-structuring the club game in Wales.

He has proposed that four provincial sides represent Wales in European and Celtic competitions, but the Premier clubs are not prepared to accept his blueprint.

Speaking exclusively on BBC Radio Wales' Mid Week Sport programme, he said will not quit if his reforms are not implemented.

He said: "I will stay and continue to work for what is in the best interests for Welsh rugby.

"I don't think anyone can agree that the status quo can remain."

His comments are sure to provoke a mixed reaction. While no one can deny that the structure of Welsh rugby needs to be changed, many believe that Moffett's plans to create just four provincial sides are too radical.

But the tough talking boss is adamant that his proposals are the only way forward.

"Everyone has told me that at best we can field four teams," he said.

"When you look at the finances, not just the Welsh Rugby Union but also the clubs, it seems self evident that we are going to be struggling to support more than four teams at the very top level."

I am determined to do what I can to get Welsh rugby back on track

David Moffett

The crippling financial state of the game is top of Moffett's agenda.

But he dismissed the idea of selling the Millennium Stadium in order to raise revenue.

"Why would you want to do that? That stadium does not belong to us at the WRU, it belongs to the whole of Wales and the rugby community.

"Never forget that without grass roots you don't have a sport. Without all of those people who get out there week-in week-out you don't have a sport.

"They deserve a legacy, and that in my view, is a really good and transparent half way for those kids who want to get right to the top."

David Moffett said he will not sell the Millennium Stadium
Selling the Millennium Stadium is not an option

Moffett's sentiments on developing Welsh talent could have wide reaching consequences.

He said: "We don't want to have players who are not eligible for Wales. Quite often Wales is seen as a soft option.

"A lot of those players are fairly ordinary players in terms of professional rugby, they come here because they can't get a start in England or France or any where else in the Southern Hemisphere.

Absolutely nobody else in this country should be paid to play rugby

David Moffett

"Our view should be about Welsh Rugby not anyone else."

Moffett also wants clubs below the top flight to stop paying their players.

Whether his vision becomes reality remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, he will not walk away until his mission is complete.

"I am determined to do what I can to get Welsh rugby back on track. I'll talk to everyone everyday if I have to," he said.


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