'It's crazy mate' - Welsh rugby reacts to Government's 'hammer blow'

Welsh rugby has reacted strongly to Mark Drakeford’s announcement placing all sport behind closed doors from Sunday.

In an attempt to combat the rapid growth of Omicron, the First Minister has stipulated that from Boxing Day fans will be banned from stadiums across the country.

In addition to traditionally huge football crowds and the Welsh Grand National meeting at Chepstow this decision means United Rugby Championship derby games will for a second year be devoid of spectators.

Ronan O’Gara coaching

Current La Rochelle and soon to be Toulon fly half Ihaia West joins us to discuss the heartache of losing out in two finals last season, the criticism he received, learning lessons under Ronan O’Gara, the contrast in playing style with his head coach, how the move to Toulon came about and the prospect of a switch in nationality after the change in World Rugby’s eligibility laws. Plus, we round up all of the Champions Cup action, look ahead to Round 2 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

Ronan O’Gara coaching

Current La Rochelle and soon to be Toulon fly half Ihaia West joins us to discuss the heartache of losing out in two finals last season, the criticism he received, learning lessons under Ronan O’Gara, the contrast in playing style with his head coach, how the move to Toulon came about and the prospect of a switch in nationality after the change in World Rugby’s eligibility laws. Plus, we round up all of the Champions Cup action, look ahead to Round 2 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

On the back of two extremely difficult years, many followers of the sport in Wales have expressed fears regarding the ongoing financial viability of the professional game within the Welsh Regions.

Dean Ryan’s Dragons team were scheduled to host Cardiff early in the New Year in front of a packed house with ticket and hospitality sales generating substantial income for the Newport-based club.

And Dragons’ Chairman David Buttress has been extremely open in his dismay at the decision.

“Nobody should underestimate this. It is devastating for professional rugby and sport. We have done everyone to support, comply and drive/support Covid community initiatives,” he said.

“I may not be thanked for being frank, but this is horrendous news for us. This is brutal news.”

Nobody should underestimate this. It is devastating for professional rugby and sport. We have done everyone to support, comply and drive / support Covid community initiatives.

I may not be thanked for being frank, but this is horrendous news for us. This is brutal news. https://t.co/1yb0ukejmB

— David Buttress (@davidjusteat) December 21, 2021

Many have been quick to question the logic of shutting outdoor events to fans while indoor hospitality remains open.

Typical of this is a Tweet from former British and Irish Lions and Wales scrum half Mike Phillips who responded to the question: ‘How can it be right that you can’t watch Cardiff v Scarlets on Boxing Day but can go to a nightclub?’ with a simple ‘Crazy Mate!’

Crazy mate!

— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) December 21, 2021

The Scarlets have also lost likely bumper Festive Season crowds with the Ospreys and Dragons both visiting Llanelli.

“Bitterly disappointed. After the past few weeks we were all looking to bring some festive derby cheer into people’s lives,” their chairman Simon Muderack said.

“Clearly people’s safety is paramount. However, the commercial impacts to all of us as clubs is catastrophic without significant further support.”

The Government’s announcement was accompanied by the news that it will make available a £3 million Spectator Sports Fund to support clubs and venues.

However, on the back of nearly two years of COVID-19 plenty are voicing fears that this may not be enough financial support to allow all the Welsh regions to survive.

Won’t even come close! Especially as clubs struggling already from last 18 months.

Genuinely could be the end for some now.

— Greg Sherrington (@gsherrington80) December 21, 2021

Highly respected ex Saracens and Harlequins Chief Executive Mark Evans was typical of a number of high-profile figures voicing concerns regarding the ongoing commercial viability of the regions.

The crowd ban in Wales will be a hammer blow to the regions. Traditionally the Xmas derbies are their biggest earners and this time around I doubt there will be much financial support from government. Tough times. Very tough.

— Mark Evans (@evans_marke) December 21, 2021

Cardiff’s frustration – following a lengthy spell with 40 players and staff quarantined in a London hotel – is especially evident in their announcement regarding the scheduled Scarlets clash.

“We explored alternative options, including postponement until crowds were permitted, however permission from URC was not granted,” they stated.

We can confirm the Boxing Day derby against @scarlets_rugby will be played behind closed doors following the Welsh Gov anno

We explored alternative options, including postponement until crowds were permitted, however permission from URC was not granted.https://t.co/F5zLHFK0Zu pic.twitter.com/Cw3OZ82fMA

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) December 21, 2021