Following recent articles in the media concerning the Newport Gwent Dragons we would like to make clear the position of the Board.
Our strategy first and foremost is to keep top level rugby in Gwent, to run it on a firm financial footing and basic business principles and not to create the debts that other regions have unfortunately found themselves in.
It is our responsibility as representatives of Regional rugby in Gwent to nurture and support talent in the region, bring academy players through to a top class level and play a key part in the overall programme of elite rugby in Wales. We believe that the future wherever possible is with the young talented players from around the region and we firmly believe that our investment in development will come to fruition in the future. Our strategy requires patience and time to develop. You cannot make quick fixes on investments if you want a good return.
This is not to say that we have not invested in the players that we have today. We currently have 3 British Lions, 12 Welsh international players in the squad and 3 other international players. This does not suggest a lack of investment on our part and we are improving slowly and steadily with each game as results against some of the so-called 'big guns' have shown. . Further to this we have invested in emerging talent with 4 of last years Under 19 Grand Slam winning team featuring for the Dragons this season. Unfortunately, injuries do occur, its part and parcel of sport, as it is for all the regional sides and whilst we contingency plan as much as we can, we cannot predict the injuries of the future.
Being "once again the fourth Welsh team for the second season running" is not a position that we want to or plan to be in however, we are being pre-judged in the middle of the season. We obviously aspire to be the best team in the Magners League and are aiming to qualify for entry into the Heineken Cup next season. Like our supporters we hope that the results will go with us as we also aim to progress in the European Challenge Cup and secure a home quarterfinal this season. We do not, however, want to return to periods of boom or bust or saddle the Region with large debts or loans.
Comments regarding the boards' level of commitment do not stack up. Members of the board have demonstrated considerable support over a number of years both in financial and physical terms. Further more the Board takes seriously its responsibility for ensuring the proper management of regional rugby in Gwent. Lets not forget two years ago we were branded the most unstable rugby organisation in Britain. Through the management of the board we have brought stability and strong foundations upon which we are now building.
With regards to the monies received via the Union, this is spent entirely on rugby related matters (players, coaches etc) the responsibility for generating the remaining costs of regional rugby lies with the board who aside from managing club revenues and sponsorships and other commercial incomes have made themselves, personal contributions toward costs incurred in running a professional rugby team.
Our recruitment policy aims to nurture and retain Welsh players from academy through to regional and international calibre. Where shortfalls exist, such as props, (where it is generally recognised that there is a national shortage) we encourage our coaches to look further a field, however, there are limitations on the number of foreign players that each region is allowed under WRU regulations. It is not the boards' policy or place to comment on the career aspirations of individual players, we would obviously like to see our home grown talent stay within the region and have recently re-signed 5 of our top players including Kevin Morgan our captain. Players have moved around the regions and to pastures new and always will, this movement cannot be attributed to a lack of ambition but down to what is best for the player and the team itself. In working this out tough decisions have to be made and no player is bigger than the team. We are proud of the fact though that all players who wear the Dragons jersey do so with pride and have the ambition to succeed.
The question as to whether the board give Paul Turner and his team full backing is answered in that they have been appointed by the board, are responsible for the team selections, recruitment and day to day player and playing decisions that they make. However, as a prudent board its our responsibility where required to raise questions relating to rugby decisions with the coaches, the back ground to this generally being the financial element of player signings together with future plans and structures for the team. This is not, as has been inferred, about "interfering in matters". Not to ask questions would be to absolve our responsibilities as Directors of the Dragons Company.
As a board we are fully aware that our coaches would like more money to invest in players and as we get more support we will be able to invest more money in the team. It is however, a naive assumption that an endless supply of money automatically provides a team with success on the field.
With regards to the development of Rodney Parade; we are currently in discussion with the WRU regarding a grant to build an elite indoor training facility for the benefit of rugby and other sports within the City and have recently had plans drawn up for a 1400 seated stand with new bars, training facilities, and income generating opportunities to include restaurants and shops. Unlike other regions that have had tremendous help from their local authorities, we are experiencing difficulty getting our local authorities on board and have struggled even to get them to put up something as simple as a road sign to the ground.
We do not agree with comments that it's the lack of facilities hindering our ability to attract great players. We have some of the best players in rugby today and are striving to provide them with the best facilities, but it takes time and money, in the interim we and all those involved with the team will work as hard as possible to provide the necessary resources for the players to perform to the best of their ability on the pitch.
Our relationship with the WRU remains strong and the new Chief Executive has openly said that the four regions must stay. In response to whether or not the WRU may think that funds are being misused, as with all regional teams we are required to submit accounts annually that are then scrutinised and audited by the WRU. As specified above the money provided by the WRU does not fully cover the rugby squad costs so suggestions of misuse are ridiculous.
In the absence of a Chief Executive the region has the benefit of its Commercial Director who, through the support of the board successfully manages the day-to-day business with all Rugby related matters falling under responsibility of the Regional rugby manager and head coach. We will however, as with all aspects of our business, be reviewing the position of Chief Executive at the end of the financial year and will not be drawn into any speculation regarding the post in the interim.
Finally, in recent articles mention has been made of people willing to invest in the Dragons and the region. This is something that has appeared in several articles throughout the season but who are they? Are they serious? Or are they figments of imagination based on snippets of ill-founded gossip? The directors would welcome serious discussions with anyone willing to invest financially or commercially with us.
We take our responsibilities as Directors of the Newport Gwent Dragons seriously and are putting structures and plans in place to grow the team and rugby in the Region and to play our part in the continued growth and improvement of rugby throughout Wales.
