Fans furious over merger talks

Cardiff Blues fans have reacted angrily to their club discussing a potential merger with Celtic Warriors.

Warriors chief executive Leighton Samuel claims a merger with Cardiff is the “natural evolution” of Welsh rugby’s inability to sustain five regional sides.

Samuel has held talks with his opposite number at Cardiff, Robert Norster, and Welsh Rugby Union boss David Moffett to assess the feasibility of the two sides joining forces in time for next season.

The discussions are still at an early stage but Cardiff’s financial problems - they are thought to be heavily in debt – and poor form on the pitch has prompted them to seek unification with the Warriors.

But Cardiff fans fear the club’s status has been “surrendered” and claim they have been “utterly let down by the board”.

A statement from Cardiff Rugby Supporters’ Club read: “We are strongly opposed to any proposed merger between Cardiff Blues and Celtic Warriors.

“The board of Cardiff RFC fought long and hard to achieve stand-alone status in order to preserve the history and heritage of our club.

“Therefore we are appalled that this appears to have been surrendered so easily just four months into the season and the concept of Cardiff Blues.

“Despite initial reservations, combined with a string of disappointing results, the supporters have continued to turn up to support the region and CRSC feel that they have been utterly let down by the board.

“We hope that the board will come forward and identify their true intentions to all supporters of Cardiff Blues as a matter of some urgency to clarify the situation.”

The idea of a merger will now be put before the WRU’s board of directors on Friday.

Moffett said: “I can confirm that I have been in discussions with both Peter Thomas and Leighton Samuel to consider the possibility of merging the two regions.

“I must stress that these discussions are at a very preliminary stage, although David and I felt it was vital to raise them with the WRU directors. To that end, we have called a meeting of the board of directors for Friday.

“All five regions have experienced different problems since they were first formed in the summer.

“The discussions between the Blues and the Warriors have come at a time when they are both assessing the first six months of their business lives and are trying to plan the best way forward.

“In terms of all sides wanting to do what is best for Welsh rugby, I think it is important that we continue to discuss every option that might improve professional club rugby in Wales.”