After hearing of Tony Brown’s decision not to be involved in the Gwent Dragons’ set-up, Moffett states that while Tony Brown has made a huge difference to the shape of Newport Rugby Club over the past five years, his decision will not jeapordise the region’s chances of thriving as a professional rugby team.
“I have now heard the comments made by Tony Brown,” said Moffett, “and he has finally made his decision to pull out of the professional game in Wales. I’m sure that everyone connected with Newport would like to thank him for what he has done for their club over the past five years and it is good news for them to hear that he will continue his association with their Premier Division outfit next season.
“While it is disappointing for the Gwent Dragons that Tony Brown will not be seeking to invest in the new professional regional team, it is not a decision that will impact on their ability to create a viable and vibrant club.
“Tony Brown has consigned himself to the history books in Welsh rugby and the future of the game in Newport, and the old county of Gwent, is now firmly in the hands of the Gwent Dragons. As far as the WRU is concerned, the efforts of every rugby lover in South East Wales needs to be channelled into turning the Gwent Dragons into a positive force in Celtic and European rugby next season.
“The only way to achieve that is to look forward, and not back, and to get behind the new coach Mike Ruddock and his squad.”
Tony Brown earlier explained that a breakdown in relations between the Newport and Ebbw Vale parties in the new region, along with the refusal to honour the wishes of Brown and more than 11 000 Newport petitioners to incorporate ‘Newport’ into the new name for the team, were deciding factors in his decision to withdraw his backing.
He said, “In a way it is sad to go. I believe that we created something special at Newport. Although we were disappointing last season, we had a good squad, tremendous supporters and had a marketing and community development programme second to none. I will remain a director at Newport. Newport will be debt free and will continue to hold the free hold of probably the best club ground in Wales. However, I will play no part in the new region.”
