Wales U20 prop Scott signs 'long-term' Bristol deal
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BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Scrum Queens: Four friends and one outrageous idea
Watch: Scrum Queens: The Fight for the First World Cup on BBC One Wales at 22:40 BST on Thursday, 21 August and available on demand here after transmission. Thirty five years ago, four friends shared one ambitious Griffin, Alice Cooper, Sue Dorrington and Mary Forsyth wanted to stage a Rugby World Cup for had no money, nowhere to stage it and no support, with the sport's governing body wanting nothing to do with these pioneering women were not to be underestimated. In the face of rejection and misogyny, their grit and determination saw the first women's global tournament come to fruition in Wales in the tournament took its toll though, with the women paying a huge personal the rugby revolution they started in Cardiff is now a global phenomenon, with 16 teams preparing to kick off the biggest edition of the World Cup so far this weekend. The Richmond four American ex-pats Forsyth and Dorrington met Griffin and Cooper while playing for Richmond RFC, and it was there where the idea to stage a women's World Cup was they were filled with passion and excitement, it soon became apparent that they would have to organise it themselves."Debs and I went down to the IRB (International Rugby Board) base in Bristol to talk to them about supporting the tournament," said Dorrington."I remember going into this very big boardroom with a very large wooden table, we talked them through our plans and it was a very short meeting and we left. They wanted nothing to do with us."The financial, commercial, logistical and public relations duties were shared out between the four women, who also had to juggle full-time employment."We were all in our late 20s, early 30s, didn't have huge experience of doing anything like this," recalled Griffin."We used to meet up at eight o'clock and divvy up the tasks that had to be done and then go off to work afterwards."Together they identified three main priorities. Finding the teams The women knew countries such as the USA, France, the Netherlands and Sweden had teams, but they had to find others who played to an international was easier said than done with no internet, no email, no social media or anything like that, instead fax machines were going morning, noon and night. Italy were keen to get involved but experienced the same problems as many of the other nations, as former player Erika Morri explains: "The (Italian Rugby) Federation did not want us to play, we were absolutely an undercover movement."When we got information that there would be a first women's World Cup we were so excited, we were feeling that there was something in the air that was changing."The Federation said, 'wait a second, they are going anyway to play the World Cup, perhaps it's time that we recognise them'."Somehow the women managed to get 12 teams on board: Canada, England, France, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Sweden, USA and Wales. Finding the venue With the teams sorted, attention then turned to finding somewhere to play."I wanted a host city that loved rugby, there was no point trying to go somewhere where football was king and where we wouldn't make much impression," said looked at grounds in England, but they could not make the ends meet financially, so they had the idea to go to Wales where they were welcomed with open arms."What we knew was how strongly rugby was supported in Wales and how deep that runs through the Welsh veins," said Dorrington."They offered us the home ground [Cardiff Arms Park] for the final, the opening ceremony, the closing dinner and that was three huge elements to the event and just the making of the tournament."Grounds at Glamorgan Wanderers, Llanharan, Pontypool, Swansea and Aberavon hosted the pool games."The Welsh couldn't have been more welcoming," said Cooper. Finding someone to pay The 12 participating nations were initially promised that their accommodation and food would be paid for, they just needed to get to with the bill rocketing to £35,000 the Richmond four soon realised they were in trouble."It wasn't so much that we were running it on a shoe string, we were running it on a frayed thread," said of companies were approached for support, but purses stayed shut."I remember picking up the phone and a corporate organisation said to me 'Sue, women's rugby is a participation sport, it's not a spectator sport, good luck with that'," said Dorrington."I just couldn't unlock anyone who had the vision that we had, companies saw us as a novelty. In the end we had no money."They were forced to go back to the teams to say they did not think the tournament could go ahead, but they all came back and said they would pay team brought their own challenges though, as Cooper explained: "The Russians weren't allowed to take any money out of the [former] Soviet Union."They didn't have any money for food, they were really hungry. They used to come down and do a sweep at breakfast and live on cornflakes for lunch."They got by selling Russian dolls and vodka on the steps of City Hall right in front of the authorities, which of course attracted the unwanted attention of customs."Fortunately the people of Cardiff were generous with donations, players even got £80 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers each, which Cooper remembers them spending on were also coming from inside the camp after Dorrington splashed out £1,000 for an antique silver cup for the tournament trophy. "I wanted something that would last the time, it was just stunning and I bought it," she said."The other three were furious at me."While money was still a worry, the World Cup started to attract media attention, but not all of it was good, recalled rugby journalist Cooper: "We got some coverage but still only as a novelty thing. "There was quite a lot of detractors going 'that'll be a load of rubbish, that'll be silly girls rolling in mud'." Pulling it off After a year of blood, sweat and tears, the teams finally arrived in Cardiff to compete at the first Women's Rugby World Cup on 4 April, celebration kicked off at Cardiff Arms Park, which former Wales captain Liza Burgess remembers well."The opening ceremony was an incredibly special day, all the teams were in their tracksuits with their placards," she said."It was an opportunity to play against teams we'd never seen, women from all over the world from different cultures. I'd never met people from Russia, I'd never met people from New Zealand."We love singing, New Zealand love singing and we were trying to outdo each other with our songs. We had a lot of fun and laughter."Italy's Morri said it was a "super emotional" moment."We were really in the state of mind that we were athletes for the first time. We just looked at each other saying we exist as a community, we were feeling like pioneers," Morri it was an exciting time for the players, the work did not stop for the Richmond four, with two having their hands even fuller than and Forsyth had both recently given birth, while Dorrington was involved in the action playing for England. "We were quite stressed and not sleeping, we were dealing with problems the whole time, making sure that everything was happening," said Griffin."By that time we were all exhausted, Debs and I were working 20 hours a day. I just remember feeling incredibly lonely and left out," said Cooper."At six o'clock in the morning I was at my desk and I'd get to bed at two o'clock. By the final we were absolutely hanging."Twenty one games were played over eight days and USA lived up to their favourites tag by beating England 19-6 in the final in front of 3,000 fans."All those teams were so incredibly elated at what just happened," said Forsyth."It was never a question of 'is this going to happen?', an obstacle would come up and you'd go around it, you'd swerve it." Success at a cost The tournament had been a success, women's rugby was finally on the world stage and the Richmond four achieved what they had set out to were taking the sport and the athletes seriously and a new generation of role models and fans were born. But success came at a cost. The tournament had made a financial loss of £6,756, due in some part to the men's World Cup being staged at the same time, with some of the matches in Wales."Afterwards the financial situation was quite scary, we were left with debts and there was this story going around that we were going to remortgage our properties," said Griffin. Thankfully it never came to that as there were some anonymous pledges post-tournament, while the Rugby Football Union picked up the remainder of the the books balanced, the women were left to deal with the emotional aftermath. "Debs went into isolation for six months, Alice lost her job, my marriage broke down, it was hard. It came at a great personal cost," said Dorrington."My daughter was born with a disability and that had only happened five months earlier, so there was a lot of processing and getting used to that. I went back to work and it was really really tough. I probably had a breakdown although I never sort of recognised it," admitted Griffin."It was an unrelenting, murderous nine days," added Cooper."Ultimately working at the World Cup contributed to me being fired."Despite the women remaining friends, they never spoke about the World Cup again, they just went quietly back to their lives."To be honest I think we were traumatised, it was just so hard," said Forsyth, holding back the tears. Game changers But there were happy tears more recently as the women made an emotional return to Cardiff Arms Park to present plaques to all the host venues which had welcomed them and the players 34 years ago. "There were so many people that stepped in and helped out, local clubs put themselves forward which was brilliant," said Griffin."It has had an immense impact on the game, more than I ever thought about."Dorrington added: "We were quite naive back then, we didn't understand what we were creating. We did it because it needed to be done and we were doers."Meanwhile, Italy's Morri said it was "a big bang for women's rugby"."It was like all the pieces of the puzzle got together. They were brave, they just followed their guts and they just thought let's do something beautiful."When the teams run out in front of record crowds this weekend, they will be standing on the shoulders of four incredible women who all shared one vision."When I discovered the game of rugby I just thought this is the best game I'd ever played," said Griffin. "I was absolutely shocked how the girls in my school didn't want to play sport. I thought that's a shame because I wanted other people to have the opportunity to play it and enjoy it."Now they do.
Times
9 hours ago
- Times
WRU plan will kill the game here, says Wales and Scarlets centre
The Welsh Rugby Union's recommendation that the four regions should be cut to two 'will kill the game' in the country, according to the Wales and Scarlets centre Joe Hawkins. The Welsh game is preparing for a tumultuous period next month over the future of its domestic structure, with the four regions — Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets — facing a fight for survival. The WRU's recommendation does not stipulate where the two professional teams should be based in Wales. A consultation period will be held across the game from September 1 to September 26. Hawkins, who became eligible to play for Wales again having moved from Exeter Chiefs to Scarlets in March, thinks that the proposed model is 'short-sighted' and would run the risk of more Welsh players plying their trade in England.
BBC News
10 hours ago
- BBC News
Wales rugby bosses say cutting professional teams to two is best option
Update: Date: 18:41 BST Title: 'Hell hath no fury like a rugby nation scorned' Content: BBC Radio Wales Rugby journalist and sports broadcaster Peter Jackson says fans' anger is merely at the tip of the iceberg as it stands, and he expects it to ramp up among the next few weeks. "Hell hath no fury like a rugby nation scorned", he told BBC Radio Wales Drive. He says he thinks the concept of having an east and west Wales team is fine, but struggles with the "lack of a geographical dimension" with the proposal. "Where does east Wales begin and end, where does west Wales begin and end?" he asks, adding: "We're talking basically are we not about Cardiff and Swansea?" Jackson says the only region "high and dry" among the proposals is Cardiff, because it's in the capital city, and is owned by the WRU. Despite questions around how it will operate, Jackson applauded the union for the radical plan, adding that the WRU were ultimately left with two choices. These are either continuing with four fully professional teams, he said, "hopelessly underfunded and unable to punch their weight", or the alternative of creating two regional teams properly resourced to be competitive. As a journalist for more than 50 years, Jackson says he remembers a time when there were 16 Welsh rugby clubs in Wales, which was "the envy of the world". "It has gone from 16 to nine, to five, to four, and now inevitably, to two." "Serious times," he adds, "but we cannot go on as we have done for the last 16 years". Update: Date: 18:28 BST Title: Could Welsh rebels play in England? Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium Some fans have mooted the possibility of resurrecting the infamous rebel season of 1998-99 and having their team playing in England if they are to be cut by the Welsh Rugby Union. Well, that might be far easier said than done. Firstly - officially - the Welsh Rugby Union would have to give the go-ahead to a Welsh team playing elsewhere and - interestingly - at today's press conference they declined to say they would stand in any team's way. But without the WRU's funding, the chances of any region being allowed into, for example, Premiership Rugby in England are exceptionally slim... and that's if English clubs wanted it. WRU chief executive said: "The idea that two clubs that were no longer supported by the WRU could play in the English Premiership franchise, understanding what the minimum standards that are required [in that league], it would be very, very difficult. "I think it's a bit of a red herring to suggest that." Director of rugby Dave Reddin added: "We've got to think of the bigger picture and in the short term, that [playing in England] is not a viable option. "We're dealing with what we've got. We're competing in the URC, that's our focus and the ambition is to be winning that." Update: Date: 18:09 BST Title: 'You can't take the emotion out of it' Content: Charlie BucklandBBC News Scarlets fan Jenny Tillier, 75, says "you can't take the emotion out of something you have been with for years". "Llanelli has been known for years," she told BBC Wales. "You can't take the emotion out of it, the emotion is there. It's always been an emotional game". Other Scarlets fans have been voicing their passion through an online petition calling for the rugby club to be saved, which currently has 930 signatures. The petition says the club is the "cornerstone of our community", adding its potential loss is not just a matter of sports but "a blow to cultural and communal identity here in west Wales". Update: Date: 17:52 BST Title: 'It's not all pounds and pence' Content: BBC Radio Wales Former Wales, Lions and Scarlets wing, Dafydd James, who played at the start of the regional project, says the announcement has been "another firework set off in the WRU fall of fame". Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Drive, James compares the regions to a "house of cards built on sand foundations" adding: "We done exceptionally well for what we had with the structure in place." James says he feels for the players but agreed that something needs to dramatically change. He says here isn't enough support for youth rugby or enough resources within schools to develop young players, something which he says needs to be prioritised. "If they are going to be two teams which it does appear, west and east, there has got to be a total re-brand, says James, adding that there has to be a revival of the youth club scene to "get that hunger and desire" in rugby again, for both players and supporters. "It is very much part of culture within Wales, people go out on a Saturday afternoon and watch a game of rugby watch a game of football, and that's their way of venting and getting out there," he adds. "It's not all pounds and pence. "There is a lot to be mixed in the pot, but it seems it will be rubber stamped." Update: Date: 17:36 BST Title: Why does Welsh Rugby Union want a 'radical' refresh? Content: Wales' men's national team basked in a golden era after rugby went regional here in 2003. They won four Six Nations Grand Slams in 14 years and reached the World Cup semi-finals twice. The Welsh team reached number one in the world too, and the British and Irish Lions picked 10 Welshmen in their third Test win over Australia in 2013. But they have since slumped to a record 18-match losing streak - going 644 days without a win - and slipped to 12th in the world rankings this year. Then just two Wales players were picked for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer. The Ospreys have won four league titles and Scarlets two but no Welsh team has won it since 2017. The Cardiff region has won two European Challenge Cups - the second tier European competition - but the last of which was in 2018. Only one Welsh region - the Scarlets in 2017/18 - have reached the quarter finals of the Champions Cup in 13 years. Update: Date: 17:18 BST Title: 'We feel up here, we're in no man's land, the forgotten part' Content: Charlie BucklandBBC News Emlyn Jones, the chair of Aberystwyth Rugby Club, which falls under the Scarlets catchment, says regional rugby has been "a bit of a mess" over the past few years, and the WRU "hasn't done what they should", especially in mid and north Wales. Mr Jones says: "We feel up here, we're in no man's land, the forgotten part." Reacting to the announcement, Mr Jones says Wales has the players, but many are going over the border to England in order to play professionally. "With several going to Hartpury, Sedbergh, Gloucester, Oxford, all across the border, and only then have they gone on to win caps for Wales," he says. "It's a loss for the club, for the area, for the Welsh language and for the regions in Wales. "The current set up isn't working at it's failing our youngsters," he says, adding six players have left the club this year. While Mr Jones says it's a "very sad time", he is hopeful the "home of rugby" can push forward, however the politics of these regions, where they're located and who runs them, still remains unanswered. Update: Date: 17:02 BST Title: Cardiff 'committed' to keeping professional rugby in the capital Content: Michael PearlmanBBC Sport Wales OK, we've already heard from the Ospreys after the Welsh Rugby Union announced it's proposals to cut the number of men's professional teams from four to two. Now Cardiff, who are now owned by the WRU after entering administration earlier this year, have given their views. "Following today's announcement from the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Rugby would like to clarify their representation in the process," they wrote. "The club are also in the process of appointing a new independent chair. The new chair will play a key role during this consultation period. "As a club, we remain committed to ensuring professional rugby continues in Cardiff and will give all key stakeholders – included but not limited to employees, supporters and partners – the opportunity to provide comprehensive feedback. "We welcome the opportunity to actively engage in this consultation process and will do so with best interests of Cardiff Rugby at heart." Cardiff have won two European Challenge Cups since the game went professional Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: 'Why Welsh rugby needs an east and west Wales team' Content: BBC Radio Wales Former Wales captain Paul Thorburn has told BBC Radio Wales' Phone In why he thinks the Welsh Rugby Union need to create two completely new teams in their shake-up. This video can not be played Former Wales captain Paul Thorburn tells BBC Radio Wales why an east and west team will be better than keeping two of the existing regions. Update: Date: 16:38 BST Title: Here's a bit more detail of Welsh rugby's plan Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium It remains unclear whether the two future sides being proposed will be new entities or existing teams. The Welsh Rugby Union has proposed: Update: Date: 16:20 BST Title: 'Who wants to play for a team with no history and fans' Content: Michael PearlmanBBC Sport Wales Joe Hawkins is one of the first current players to give their thoughts on the Welsh Rugby Union proposals and he doesn't seem impressed. "I think everyone agrees change is needed, but going down to two from four seems very short sighted,' the Wales and Scarlets centre wrote on X. 'It will definitely increase squad quality and maybe success short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left walking away which will kill the game and even more players heading to England at a young age due to lack of playing opportunities. 'What happens then in five years when there is no fans and all the best young players are over the bridge with no one coming through? 'Also, as a player, if two new teams are made then who wants to play for a team with no history and no loyal and passionate supporters? All the best Welsh players will want that and find it outside of Wales.' Update: Date: 16:13 BST Title: A big day in Welsh rugby - here's all you need to know Content: Eleri GriffithsBBC News It's been another seismic day in Welsh rugby - here's what you need to know: It's a pivotal day in Welsh rugby so stick with us for all the updates and reaction. The Welsh Rugby Union has held a press conference at the Principality Stadium to unveil its plans Update: Date: 16:01 BST Title: 'You cannot mix Ospreys and Scarlets' Content: Jordan DaviesBBC News at Rodney Parade We'll bring you fan reaction as soon as we get it on the Welsh Rugby Union's proposals to half the number of men's professional teams from four to two. But Denise and Jaff sum it nicely as they explain how most Welsh rugby fans will be feeling this afternoon. 'I'm an Ospreys fan - you cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets," said Jaff, 66 on a day out in Newport. Wife Denise says she's unhappy with the proposed changes, adding that the current four-region setup is 'really nice' as it is. "You'll get people saying 'I don't want any Dragons in my team'," said the 68-year-old Dragons fan. "I don't know how this mix will work." 'I'm an Ospreys fan, you cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets," says Jaff (left) Update: Date: 15:50 BST Title: Welsh rugby bosses braced for legal battle Content: The Welsh Rugby Union admit their "radical" proposal to cut two regions has potential for a legal battle with clubs and leagues. The governing body's chief executive has told the press conference announcing their shake-up plans that they have already spoken to United Rugby Championship league about cutting regions. "We have spoken to the URC executive and then the shareholders of the shareholder unions, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, South Africa," she said. "I think their key message is we recognise that you need to do something different. "They are very clear that their preference would be for us to have continued as is but they recognise that that is increasingly challenging for us." The Welsh Rugby Union have said that they will stick by "our obligations in those agreements". Update: Date: 15:34 BST Title: Ospreys say Welsh rugby plan has 'interesting ideas within it' Content: The Ospreys are the first of the four current Welsh men's professional regions to have their say on the Welsh Rugby Union's proposals to cut teams. They posted on X: "We have reviewed the WRU's consultation document and welcome the opportunity to engage constructively in this process. "There are some interesting ideas within it, including options that we feel hold real potential, alongside others that present more challenges. "We look forward to working closely with the WRU and all stakeholders to help shape a system that serves the best interests of the Ospreys, our supporters, and the wider Welsh game. "Details will follow shortly for a supporters' evening, where we will share more of our views and, importantly, listen to the views of our supporters. #OurBloodIsBlack" The Ospreys won two league titles and lifted the 2008 Anglo-Welsh trophy Update: Date: 15:26 BST Title: Prefered locations of new teams not decided Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium While the Welsh Rugby Union have proposed halving their number of men's professional clubs from four to two, they have not indicated their preferred locations for clubs or names. While fans of the Ospreys, Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff nervously wait, the governing body insist that no decision has yet been made. The WRU has revealed that there are, in fact, four models that have been put forward for the number of professional clubs. The Union has said the timescale for any changes will be dictated by their chosen option. A consultation period will begin on 1 September with regions, clubs, players and fans encouraged to get involved before a final recommendation is made in mid-October, with that month's WRU board to make a final decision. Update: Date: 15:13 BST Title: 'We know this will hurt' Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium Welsh Rugby Union's chief executive Abi Tierney has been speaking at a press conference at the Principality Stadium. "We know how emotional rugby is and that people will be hurting when thinking about what this could mean for their team," she said. "Not everyone is going to be happy but I don't think carrying on as we are is the right thing for fans either. "We had to do something radically different to get us to a better place and that everyone can get behind and we hope people will step out of their corner. "Change is hard, and this is going to be hard, but I think it will get us to a better place. 'We are clear that the current rugby model in Wales is no longer delivering what our game needs, that's why we're inviting views on the opportunities for change we've put forward.' Update: Date: 15:05 BST Title: 'Radical step' proposed to save Welsh rugby Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium Welsh Rugby bosses insist cutting the number of professional men's clubs from four to two is the "radical step" needed to save the game in Wales. The governing body has unveiled its controversial plan for the future of the elite game that puts Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets at risk. Among four models being considered is the "optimal" choice of halving the number of professional teams. The Welsh Rugby Union has not indicated their preferred locations for clubs or names and insist that no decisions have yet been made. A consultation period will begin on 1 September before a recommendation will be sent in mid-October to the WRU board to make a final decision. Update: Date: 15:00 BST Title: CONFIRMED: Welsh rugby proposes to cut clubs Content: Matt LloydBBC Sport at Principality Stadium Welsh Rugby Union confirms cutting number of professional men's clubs from four to two is best option for the game in Wales. More to come on this big breaking news from Welsh rugby HQ. Update: Date: 14:46 BST Title: 'The Scarlets have got to be involved' Content: Sara DafyddBBC News at Parc y Scarlets Right we've heard from fans at the Dragons in Newport, now to the other end of the M4 to Llanelli to for some reaction from fans outside the Scarlets ground at Parc Y Scarlets. 'I think given the heritage and the fanbase we've got here, I think Scarlets have got to be involved," said fan Richard Esney, from Llanelli. Scarlets fan and Sosbans and Sidesteps podcast host Ben Griffiths feels the Welsh Rugby Union's proposal risks 'alienating the very fans that are its lifeblood'. Although no teams have been named, the 37-year-old from Pontarddulais says: "A world without the Scarlets is a world I don't want to partake in. If we go, I'm done with Welsh rugby." For Ben, merging sides is a move "perceived as a short sighted attempt to solve financial woes by sacrificing the heritage and community ties that make Welsh rugby unique". 'It's not just 80 minutes of rugby we'd lose - it's the friendships, the days out, the sense of community. It's a huge part of my life." Scarlets fan Ben Griffiths doesn't want a world without the Scarlets Update: Date: 14:35 BST Title: 'Difficult to envisage supporting brand new teams' Content: Tomos MorganBBC News Ryan Price, treasurer of the Dragons Official Supporters Club, says Welsh rugby's situation is "incredibly frustrating". "We're told this is an open consultation on the WRU's proposals, this is just an optimal solution they may consider changing," he said. "But at the same time you have a statement from the chief executive saying it is very difficult to see a situation where Cardiff is not part of that solution." He says although there is an acceptance "radical change" is needed, it's "difficult to envisage supporting brand new teams with new names". 'We are comparatively lucky, we are only 30 miles on the train from Gloucester," said Mr Price. "There are opportunities to support top level rugby that hasn't been pulled out from under your feet'.
