Campaign launched to transform regional rugby

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to give the South Wales valleys its own rugby franchise to compete with superclubs across Europe.

Hundreds of die-hard rugby fans have signed the online petition calling on the WRU to include a valleys side within the highest tier of the professional game.

But some Swalec League sides have questioned whether there is enough money in Welsh Rugby Union to start up a fifth outfit.

The WRU, under Australian Chief Executive David Moffet, transformed regional rugby in 2003 when five franchises were introduced to compete in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League.

The Celtic Warriors, which was one of the five original regions of the Welsh regional rugby era, was initially set up in 2003 for fans in Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Bridgend.

Welsh internationals Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Thomas, Richard Parks and Neil Jenkins all played their part in the side’s inaugural season in the Celtic League.

But the outfit folded a year later when Pontypridd RFC sold their half of the Warriors to Bridgend amidst financial uncertainty.

Ever since, Pontypridd RFC has run as a semi-professional side, with the Rhondda Cynon Taff side struggling to compete with its professional neighbours.

But now, with the Sardis Road side attracting stronger crowds - including a 5,000-plus attendance against Cardiff on Boxing Day - Pontypridd MP Owen Smith, left, feels the time is right to kick-start another campaign to put the valleys back on the rugby map.

He has set up a financial review to look into the economic impact of a regional rugby side.

The report will be published on March 31 – the same day as a “regional rugby reform” rally is being scheduled at Sardis Road as Pontypridd entertain rivals Neath.

He said: “I urge local rugby fans to sign my online petition and help us gather a strong momentum to bring professional rugby back to the South Wales Valleys.

“The WRU needs to reform its current structure and help us get our great teams back to professional status. The current structure has led to an unfair concentration of power in the hands of the WRU and the regional superclubs, and some local clubs were completely done in by the changes.

“The bottom line is the WRU didn’t understand that rugby is based on traditional local identities and a sense of belonging. Our heritage in the game is so rich.

“This has to be a team for people who consider themselves from the valleys and the support has been overwhelming.

“We’ve got to make our voice heard and to force the WRU and their colleagues in the regional superclubs to concede that, whatever their protestations about finite resources or long-term contractual agreements, it is not acceptable for an elite of bureaucrats and bankrollers to declare that top-flight rugby will only be played south of the M4. That is neither fair nor democratic and it must not continue to go unchallenged.”

The petition urges the Welsh Rugby Union to reform its current organisational structure of regional rugby clubs to include professional valleys teams like Pontypridd RFC. It says the current organisation “does not accurately reflect traditional cultures and communities of rugby in Wales”, leaving many Welsh rugby fans without any professional rugby teams to support.

The name Valley Commandos has already been mooted by Mr Smith and his supporters.

But his rallying cry has come under fire from opposition parties, who believe Mr Smith should focus on his own constituents.

Coun Mike Powell said: “He fails to remember that ‘the valleys’ have no team because it failed to find enough money when they had one.

“Furthermore, he fails to recognise the vast power small village clubs have over deciding what happens within the WRU.

“They have so far failed to ever vote themselves away from the professional game and probably never do under the outdated constitution – one club, one vote.”

As we went to press, more than 1,000 people had signed up to the site since January 3.

Greg Williams said: “This petition is a long time coming and would make sense.

“I'm from the Rhondda and we live and breathe rugby up there, but that was taken from us. Reverting back to the traditional way will not only increase gates but allow youngsters the chance to be seen within their borough.”

Paul Cleary said: “Reform a professional rugby team in the most passionate and fertile rugby territory in Wales – the South Wales Valleys.”

Derek Goode said: “I predict that unless you change the system to include the valleys, in 20 years time Welsh Rugby will be like the Welsh football, with amateur leagues, few supporters and no chance against England. I have not been to any rugby game for eight years as I have no team to support but still feel very angry at the mess created.

“In fact a whole generation now play or watch football and the WRU have completely messed everything up.”

The WRU, as well as 300 rugby fans, are being invited to attend the launch of the economic report at a fundraising ‘Fightback’ dinner to be held at Sardis Road on March 31.

A WRU spokesman said: “The WRU is always willing to consider constructive and informed opinions and ideas related to the future of rugby in Wales at all levels.

“Some months ago Mr Smith met senior WRU officials and informed us he would be supplying the union with a considered proposal for change which we will study when it is delivered.”

Pontyclun slimmer loses nine stone in a year – almost half her body weight

A PONTYCLUN mother-of-three who was told by doctors she wouldn’t make it to 60 has lost an incredible nine stone in 12 months.

Nicole Pemberton, of Ynysmaerdy Terrace, Pontyclun, stunned fellow slimmers at her Llantrisant class by losing almost half her body weight eating healthily and walking her dog.

After having three children, as well as suffering from back, knee and hip pain, the 46-year-old reached 22st 4lbs in January 2011 – a weight which doctors said could lead to an early grave.

But the determined Taff Ely resident cut out the takeaways and started making healthy meals, which she shared with her husband Mark.

She said: “When I was told I wouldn’t be here for much longer, I knew I had to change my ways.

“Even though I had the back problems before I gained the weight, I now feel much more mobile.

“I have been very lucky. I don’t feel out of puff anymore when I walk the dog, and I do feel happier in myself.

“Mark has lost five stone as well. He doesn’t go to any of the classes, but he’s happy enough eating the food!”

Mrs Pemberton, who also spends time looking after her elderly father, said her daughter in particular was very impressed at her sudden weight loss.

Nicole added: “When I make my mind up to do something, I’m quite blinkered. I had every intention of doing it and I won’t stop until I reach a size 14.”

After spending 12 months with Slimming World in Llantrisant, she is now in charge of weighing other members of the group.

Manal Hammoudeh, a Slimming World consultant, said losing nine stone in a year was very unusual.

She said: “I started with Nicole when I was in charge of the Llantrisant group, and we have stayed in touch.

“She is a very determined woman and I’m very proud of her.”

Ponty to swallow parts of Cynon in shake-up

PONTYPRIDD will swallow up parts of the Cynon Valley in a major shake-up of parliamentary boundaries unveiled today.

Some Valleys seats will disappear completely, with the rest merged as part of the re-drawing of the political map of Wales.

Under proposals published on Wednesday, Cynon Valley and Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney will go, while a new seat called Heads of the Valleys will be created.

Ogmore will be merged with Aberavon, while part of Caerphilly will be merged with Cardiff North and the rest merged into new seat called Newport West and Sirhowy Valley. Affected by these changes will be Labour MPs Ann Clwyd, Dai Havard, Huw Irranca-Davies, Hywel Francis and Wayne David.

But the existing seats of Rhondda and Pontypridd will not be merged, averting would could have been a tough battle for political survival between current Labour MPs Chris Bryant and Owen Smith.

The changes are being proposed by the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales, which was given a remit to reduce the number of MPs elected in Wales from 40 to 30. Under the new arrangements, all seats in the UK are meant to have between 72,810 and 80,473 voters.

Among the new seats proposed are:

Rhondda: The proposed seat includes the whole of the current Rhondda constituency plus part of Cynon Valley.

Heads of the Valleys: This seat includes the whole of the current Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney constituency, plus part of Cynon Valley.

Pontypridd: Includes the whole of the current Pontypridd seat plus part of Cynon Valley.

Caerphilly & Cardiff North: Includes part of the current Caerphilly seat plus part of Cardiff North.

Newport West and Sirhowy: This new constituency will comprise elements of the existing Caerphilly, Islwyn and Newport West seats.

The proposals, full details of which can be seen on the Boundary Commission’s website at www.bcomm-wales.gov.uk and in main public libraries and council offices, are now out to public consultation until April 5.

Interested parties can send their views to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Caradog House. 1-6 St Andrews Place, Cardiff CF10 3BE or email them to bcomm.wales@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Ponty dog and owner triumph at London Olympia Christmas Horse Show

A PONTY man and his loyal dog kept their cool in front of a 10,000-strong crowd to triumph at a national agility competition.

Mark Douglas and his pooch Puck proved the perfect pairing when they came out on top at the single agility finals at the London Olympia Christmas Horse Show in December.

Around 4,000 competitors trained up their dogs in the hope of reaching the final.

And after seeing off some tough opposition, Mark and Puck, an Australia Kelpie, were victorious at the final in front of a packed crowd.

The win was the latest in a long line of victories for Mark, who has been training dogs for 15 years.

Mark, of Coed y Cwm, said: “When you’re out in front of such a big crowd it’s brilliant. But I don’t get nervous and I can’t even hear the crowd when I’m out there.

“I watched the final back on video afterwards and you can hear the roar of the crowd. But I couldn’t remember that, I think I was just focused on what me and Puck were doing.

“It was a really long day. We had to drive to London in the morning and the final was at quarter to eight in the evening.

“Puck is so fast and powerful and can be very difficult to train but on his day he’s unbeatable. One wrong foot can see you eliminated so it’s all about precision.

“At the finals he was fantastic and I’m delighted we went all the way.”

Mark spends most of his evenings training his dogs and said he loves watching them improve.

He said: “I spend a lot of my time training my dogs and other people’s dogs too.

“The biggest reward is putting the training and work in and seeing the results.

“I’ve got a big year ahead with three of my dogs representing Wales at the World Championships and one competing at Crufts.”

Tide turns against floods

FLOODING hotspot Rhydyfelin can look forward to drier days after receiving a million-pound flood prevention grant.

Since 1993, around 100 homes in the village have fallen victim to serious flooding.

The new scheme will focus on Glyntaf Farm and Sycamore Street, providing improved protection for about 280 homes, Heol y Celyn Primary School, and the Taff Trail cycle route.

Environment Minister John Griffiths last week announced the Welsh Government would put £1.3m towards the £3m flood prevention scheme.

The grant is in addition to the £0.2m awarded previously and the £1.4m the scheme will also receive from the European Regional Development Fund.

The council, who estimate flooding in Rhydyfelin once every four years, expect to start work on the project later this month.

The council’s cabinet member for emergency planning Coun Andrew Morgan said: “This part of Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding for many years and I am very pleased that the council has been able to secure money from the Welsh Government for action to address this.

“The council is delighted that the project has now been given the green light and we look forward to seeing all the improvements that this scheme will bring to the area.”

Commenting on the project, John Griffiths said: “One in six properties in Wales is currently at risk of flooding, with flooding estimated to cause in the region of £200 million of damage each year.

“We recognise that as the climate changes, causing more intense rainfall and higher sea levels, flood and coastal erosion risk is set to increase significantly over time and the Welsh Government is leading a major change in the way we manage flood and erosion risk.

“In November we launched our first National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management which will direct funding towards not only improving our defences but also to raising awareness and increasing resilience.

“The Government is committed to supporting as many flood management schemes as possible and our current programme indicates that over 1,800 properties will benefit from improved protection in 2011-12.”

Pontypridd & Llantrisant Pupils on song at launch of new store

PUPILS from YGG Llantrisant sang their hearts out at the grand opening of the new DFS sofa superstore in the town.

The Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Coun Sylvia Jones, was joined by the choir of Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Gymraeg Llantrisant to cut the ribbon and declare the store officially open.

The 15,000 sq ft store has created 11 new jobs.

Area sales manager David Croft said: “DFS is proud to be joining Llantrisant’s local community.

“The Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Gymraeg Llantrisant choir were fantastic and sang brilliantly.”

The Mayor said: “The creation of 11 new jobs in the current economic climate is wonderful for the local community.”

In 2011, DFS created 151 new jobs across the UK and plans to create more than 300 in 2012.

AM Wood ‘pleased’ as work starts on former Bosch site

THE COMPANY which took over the old Bosch factory in Miskin has started work at the site.

In a letter to Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood, who previously worked at the plant herself, a spokesman for the Gloucester-based company confirmed work was under way.

Renishaw, a Gloucester-based engineering company, acquired the facility in June, after Bosch the remaining 489 workers clocked off for the last time.

The company are yet to confirm how many jobs the new plant will create but first phase of works at the site is now underway.

Head of communications at Renishaw Chris Pockett said: “We have now made a start with our development of the Miskin site.

“The first phase is the renovation of 10,000 sq ft of space in the annex to the East Production Hall.

“This will be followed by a second phase development which will see the refurbishment of an area of approximately 50,000 sq ft within the East Production Hall.

“Further refurbishment and employment will depend on how quickly world trade develops.

“However, our intention is to eventually occupy the whole of the existing building.”

Leanne Wood AM, expressed her delight at the news.

She said: “The closure of Bosch was a huge blow to the South Wales economy with a loss of many highly skilled and well-paid jobs, many of which were held by people in the valleys.

“I’m really pleased that Renishaw has now starting renovating the site and I look forward to the creation of many jobs for local people in the future. It is important that the manufacturing experience within this area of South Wales is not lost for good.”

Renishaw employs around 1,550 staff based at its five sites in Gloucestershire.

Last year it said its plans for south Wales – involving its healthcare products – would not impact on its existing factories, where they also planned to expand.

Although Chris Pockett couldn’t confirm the exact number of jobs that would be created, he hoped it would be in the hundreds.

School is class of its own

A SCHOOL with one of the lowest budgets per pupil in Rhondda Cynon Taff has been recognised by Estyn inspectors as one of the best in Wales.

Y Pant Comprehensive School, in Talbot Green, made the grade as an “excellent” place of learning.

The inspectors held it up as an exemplar in education and congratulated staff, pupils, governors and parents on all aspects of school life.

Y Pant’s overall performance and capacity to improve were rated “excellent”, and it was recognised as a sector-leading school in its own right due to outstanding achievements.

The school has 1,256 on its roll, with 12% of pupils entitled to free school meals, compared to the Welsh average of 17.4%, but has only 1% of pupils with special educational needs compared to Wales’ 2.7%.

Only a small number of schools in Wales have merited such praise – yet, out of 19 schools in the county, Y Pant’s budget is next to the lowest at £3,770 spent per pupil, compared to the best-paid in RCT, which get £4,511 per desk.

Inspectors praised Y Pant especially for pupils’ achievements at all abilities, “outstanding” progress and “exceptional” attitudes to learning and behaviour.

Effective record-keeping and analysis, teacher training and mentoring ensured even weaker areas constantly improved and exceeded expectations in external exams.

Headteacher Stuart Tucker said: “This inspection report is the result of the hard work, talent and commitment demonstrated by all staff, pupils, parents and governors.”

Coun Eudine Hanagan said: “The school really is a strong community that makes the best use of its links with parents, the wider community, the environment and even the rest of the world to create a positive, inspiring environment in which pupils can thrive, academically and personally.”