WRU CHAIRMAN DAVID PICKERING ON THE ‘REDZONE ROADSHOWS’

The ‘Redzone Roadshows’ have taken myself, as Chairman of the WRU, Steve Lewis, our Chief Executive, and Tim Burton, Head of Group Services, around all nine Districts to meet the 245 member clubs of the WRU. We travelled almost 1500 miles in the past three weeks and spent almost 30 hours talking through issues with club officials. The purpose of the ‘Redzone Roadshow’ was merely to inform the clubs about the facts in the case.

We were well received, given the chance to state our case and then vigorously questioned on a wide range of matters. I believe it was a necessary and useful exercise and one which I feel has given the members the chance to get to the truth. We explained in great detail the contract negotiations we undertook with Mike Ruddock and outlined the process that led to him standing down as Head Coach.

The clubs needed to know what had happened and I am happy with the way in which we gave them the information they required. Now we have to try to move on. We have now begun the important process of appointing his successor.

It has been an emotional time for Welsh rugby – coaches, players, administrators and fans alike. Our pride has taken a dent, but nothing that can’t be repaired with time.  

Last year we broke all records on and off the field. This year we will more than double the £3m profit we declared having welcomed more than 600,000 rugby fans to the Millennium Stadium for our seven, sell-out internationals, the Powergen Cup semi-finals and the Heineken Cup final. 

It was fantastic to see our Under 19 side follow up last season’s senior Grand Slam with one of their own and we hope they can go onto the IRB World Under 19 Championships in Dubai next month and go one better than the ‘Class of 99’ by winning the title.

The Under 21s will also be in World Cup action this summer, while the senior side face two Tests in Argentina. Each day brings a new challenge for Welsh rugby and we must keep focussed on what is coming up, rather than dwelling in the past.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup is only 18 months away. That tournament will offer us huge challenges on and off the field. We have negotiated with France, the officially host nation, to play four games at the Millennium Stadium, including two of our own Pool matches. If we can all focus on the ultimate prize in the world game then it could be one of our most successful tournaments.

That must be our major goal.