Rugby union Change needed for Wales

Rugby union

Wales will never be one of the eight major rugby powers again unless they make radical changes to the national game. That is the blunt message the chairman, Vernon Pugh, will deliver to member clubs at the annual general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union at Port Talbot this afternoon.

"The game is developing so fast that time is not on our side, particularly if being successful by 1999, when we will host the next World Cup, is our target," Pugh said.

"At the moment we are running just to stand still in regard to many of the other countries. If we don't start running pretty damn fast then we will never again get into the top six or eight teams in the world. We need an enlightened approach from our committee and courageous decisions need to be taken which our clubs will support."

A central plank involves the appointment of a national coaching organiser to oversee and establish a continuity in both the coaching and playing style of all five national squads from under-18 upwards.

There is also a contentious proposal to change the format of the divisions of the Heineken League.

At a time when the demands on leading players is a key issue, there is a move to turn the five divisions of 12 teams into four divisions of 16 - giving each club 30 league fixtures a season.

Another item on the agenda is that there should be an annual appointment for the post of president, though there will be a contest this afternoon as Sir Tasker Watkins is standing for what would be a third year in office.

Challenging him for the figurehead job are the former WRU secretary, David East, the legendary Lions and Wales centre Bleddyn Williams, and Swansea's David Price, one of the longest-standing club administrators.