“I have tendered my resignation from the board of the Bridgend-Pontypridd region. I will be issuing a full statement on my reasons for doing so on Thursday” said Samuel.
The news has come as a shock to Welsh rugby fans after the launch of the new regional side last week, where Samuel announced plans were under way to build a new stadium for the regional side.
Celtic League champions Munster have confirmed the signing New-Zealand star full-back Christian Cullen on a three-year contract.
The All-Black, capped 58 times for his country, and scorer of 46 Test tries, said he could not wait for the challenge.
He told the Munster website: “I’m really thrilled to be coming over to play with Munster. I think it’s a great opportunity to play with one of the most successful sides in European rugby.”
Cullen will add much needed fire-power to a Munster attack that last season was criticised by fans as being ‘sterile’, and hoo heavily reliant on the boot of Ronan O’Gara.
Meanwhile, last season’s PARKER PEN SHIELD runners-up Caerphilly have appointed former Wales international Roger Bidgood as their new backs’ coach.
The ex-centre, capped five times by Wales, will link up with forwards’ coach Paul Yardley, in the wake of Mark Ring’s departure from Virginia Park.
Bidgood said “We have managed to retain 70 per cent of the squad and I hope we can continue the style of rugby that Mark brought to Caerphilly.
The newly-named Gwent Dragons have confirmed their interest in South African international Robbie Fleck.
The Dragons aim to sign the 31-times capped player who has 10 Test tries to his name, or a player with similar ability to wear their No.13 jersey.
Fleck is currently part of the South African international set-up.
By Lee Hughes (Age 15, Cymer Comprehensive)
