Pooler appeal for help ahead of league change (From Free Press Series)

Pooler appeal for help ahead of league change

Pontypool Coach Steve Jones has urged the people of Torfaen to unite in an effort to preserve top class rugby in the area ahead of what he predicts will be significant changes to the structure of Wales' premier club division.

Jones is convinced in the next few years the Welsh Premier-ship will be cut from 17 teams to 12 as the WRU bid to provide regional players not involved in first team provincial rugby with a more competitive alternative.

Such a plan could prove disastrous for Pontypool, who on current form would be amongst the favourites to relinquish their place in the top flight. Defeat at home to Bridgend on Saturday means Pooler currently lie 12th in the Premier Division, on the fringes of where they need to be to retain elite status if Jones is right and the top tier of Welsh club rugby is downsized to a dozen.

And if Bedwas win their final game of the season - a rearranged fixture against Swansea - they will leapfrog Pooler, forcing the Torfaen side into thirteenth place.

"Next year I'm sure the Union will reduce our division down to 12 league clubs," said Jones. "There's already been a proposal put forward by the provinces.

"Therefore it's important everyone who's ever been involved with the club, ex-players, supporters and even the people of Pontypool come together to make sure we have a top club.

"I think they want 30 or 40 players to be with each region and each region having three clubs attached to it. I have also been told Pontypool Park could hold regional rugby and that's the future.

"But to get that to happen, everyone must do anything they can to help us," he added.

On the subject of looking forward, Jones also claimed he saw some positive signs for the future in Saturday's 22-12 defeat to Bridgend.

"The last two games have been disappointing but because of injuries we've seen other players come through," he said. "Saturday was a chance to see people like Mike Jones on the wing and Phil Sergent come on as sub."

"What we've talked about is keeping everybody at the club here next year, making sure everybody signs a contract because then all these young boys will be one year further along," he added.

Steve Jones and all at Pontypool RFC would like to thank everyone who has supported or sponsored the club this year.