RGC spokesman reports that no discussions have taken place with any representative of Valleys Rugby
Please view the full plan by clicking on the file at the bottom of this report
Please note that a statement from RGC 1404 following the release of the Valleys Business Proposal, reports that: 'At no time has any member of the WRU RGC Academy or RGC Staff been consulted about the Valleys Business Proposal and that the WRU RGC Academy and RGC 1404 Senior Team are working hard to become the regional team for North Wales and no merger with any South Wales Regional entity is planned'.
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Rugby fans in the South Wales Valleys could own a stake in their own professional franchise under plans put forward by a local MP.
Valleys Rugby, a detailed and ambitious pilot proposal created by Pontypridd MP Owen Smith, is urging 10,000 shareholders to raise £1m towards the formation of a Valleys-wide outfit to compete in the RaboDirect Pro12 for the 2013/14 season.
A further £1m would then be raised through sponsorship deals with the help of local businesses.
The proposal, which can be seen at Valleysrugby.com, also outlines plans to transform Pontypridd’s Sardis Road and build a new development academy for future rugby stars.
In a bid to drum up support Mr Smith spoke to both Pontypridd and Neath fans at the end of their match at Sardis Road on Saturday.
He said: “A year ago, I met with the WRU to express the concerns that so many of you have about issues of sport, society and the economy within our community of Pontypridd at the loss of a top-flight status in Welsh rugby – an effect also felt in towns from Ebbw Vale to Neath, Pontypool to Bridgend.
“Not unreasonably, the WRU asked for facts and figures to substantiate these claims and some framework – a business case – to show what we might do to bring about realistic and sustainable change.
“An advisory board with legal, financial, architectural and rugby expertise was assembled to develop these materials.
“Valleys Rugby will be a community benefit society, 100% owned by its shareholders – the supporters.
“We believe our proposal will benefit all involved and will provide a strong future for the Valleys, as well as wider Welsh rugby.”
Sardis Road will host at least 50% of the home games initially, with other venues such as Bridgend’s Brewery Field and Penydarren Park earmarked as potential venues.
Research carried out by an independent body says Valleys Rugby would generate between £7m and £10m for the local economy.
But there are still major hurdles to overcome before any concrete plans can be made, including Valleys Rugby seeking a minimum of £1.2m annual funding from the WRU, via television and other rights.
And despite the interest in creating a regional franchise, committing to a £100 annual share may be a stretch too far for some families in such difficult economic times.
The plans will now be submitted to the WRU later this year.
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