The Welsh Rugby Union's member clubs have called for an Extraordinary General Meeting amidst growing unrest. The WRU confirmed on Friday that they had received the necessary demands. They are now obliged to respond within 21 days and are taking legal advice.
Chairman David Pickering says he thinks the decision is to address the running of the Union, not issues regarding the departure of former coach Mike Ruddock.
The WRU tried to pre-empt the EGM on Thursday by calling their own meeting.
The Special General Meeting they have arranged at the Millennium Stadium on 23 April is to discuss the role of group chief executive.
David Moffett, the former holder of that position, was not replaced when he surprisingly quit last December, and Pickering says that the clubs have expressed their concern over this state of affairs.
The Union argue that Moffett effectively did away with the need for the high-profile position thanks to his efforts in reorganising the game and its administrative structure in Wales.
But, as well as the group chief executive issue, certain clubs have called the EGM as they are believed to also be unhappy with:
The handling of Ruddock's departure, notably that the five-man executive board axed him before informing the full board of directors The director's role being performed by Millennium Stadium boss Paul Sergeant since Moffett's exit The performance of the 17-man WRU board The WRU's criticism of clubs after international tickets found their way onto the black market and their ticket distribution policy Issues over lower league structures Pickering and WRU chief executive Steve Lewis took a presentation - known as the "Red Zone Roadshow" - around Wales to answer criticisms, but unrest has continued.
"The clubs have a right to call an EGM and they've done that," Pickering told BBC Wales.
 The WRU did not replace former boss David Moffett |
"Only 10 out of our 245 member clubs need to agree in order to request an EGM, and we've made ourselves unpopular in some areas by making tough decisions over the last couple of years.
"I don't believe that the EGM is about Mike Ruddock's departure, people have largely accepted that and we've moved on.
"The core issue is the governance of the Union."
A WRU board meeting will be held next Thursday to discuss the EGM request.
The WRU management say that - if it is to be held - the EGM must take place within 28 days of it being called.
But the clubs claim the Union has to hold the EGM and that it must take place within 21 days of the request being lodged (in this case 31 March).
 | THE 'REBEL' CLUBS Bridgend Morriston Trinant RTB Ebbw Vale Blaina Newbridge Bonymaen Pontycwmmer Pontardawe Resolvent Cwmgrach Usk Chepstow |
The Union has been advised by former board member Howard Watkins that he is representing the 13 clubs making the request.
The ongoing political manoeuvrings could have a key impact on who becomes the next national coach.
The current Union management are thought to be keen to appoint Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies.
But Scarlets supremo Gareth Jenkins would seem to be the peoples' choice, and he says he would relish the job if the current Union management was to be replaced.
MMIX
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I don't believe that the EGM is about Mike Ruddock's departure, people have largely accepted that and we've moved on
