Discussing rugby, with myself.

Bored with nobody to discuss Welsh rugby with whilst in South America resulted in me discussing it with myself.

As Wales held on to beat Scotland at Murrayfield, the Newport Gwent Dragons were creating history as they defeated Irish superpower, Leinster, for the first time on Irish soil. Whilst opinion on the former dominated my social media feed, the achievement of the Dragons was subject to a limited number of posts from more fanatical rugby followers. I wonder, two weeks on how many Welsh fans would even be aware of the result out in Dublin? I would anticipate a small percentage. I accept that International rugby is the headline show in Wales, and enjoy that interest in the sport is heightened when the national team takes to the field. What I struggle with is where the passion, opinion and interest in the sport goes for the remainder of the year. To walk the streets of Cardiff on an international day, it would be reasonable to assume that the level of public interest would manifest itself in a strong regional and community game in Wales. I would argue that both are dwindling. 

When I joined the youth team of my local rugby club, it was still commonplace for three teams to be fielded on a Saturday afternoon. We are now in a position where a third team seems like a myth and the second team is often reliant on a last minute call to arms.  Community rugby underpins the game in Wales, it is not only responsible for developing future talent for the national side but also the provision of the game to players of all abilities and physiques. If in ten years time talking about second teams as things of the past this would be far worse then any number of wooden spoons or last gasp failures for the national side. Of course a notable portion of the responsibility for maintaining the community game lies with the union, and their shift to focusing on schools rugby has already seen tangible gains in both numbers and quality for our youth team. However the traditions of community rugby must also be guarded by the community itself. Whilst the clubs as organisations have an obligation for retaining player and supporter interest, I feel that individuals within the community both playing and non playing must not overlook their role in guarding the future of this sport from which we derive so much of our national pride and identity. In the short term such a commitment can seem arduous and non beneficial to individual wants and needs. However, the long term rewards manifested through friendships, memories and respect will far outweigh forgotten frustrations and disappointments.

When evaluating the regional game in Wales it is almost impossible to do so without drawing comparison to the vibrant club game that exists in England and Ireland, two of our  closest rivals on the international scene. I use the adjective vibrant with reference to how their clubs continue to move forward not just on but also off the field. It is well documented how the export of Welsh stars has had an adverse impact on the squad strength of the regions and one would hope the introduction of central contracts will buck this trend over time. That said the domestic game in Wales was hardly flourishing in the days when our net talent migration was positive, by this I mean we were importing more quality than we were losing. As a rugby fan, my greatest envy of the domestic game in both England and Ireland is the seemingly growing supporter base and the ability of the clubs and the supporters to create huge occasions built around 80 minutes of rugby. Whether it be a 'Big Game' at Twickenham, a Sarries game at a packed out Wembley or Leinster and Munster filling Landsdowne road, these events have demonstrated the ability of these organisations to create a sense of excitement pull crowds well beyond their norm. The Welsh equivalent, 'Judgement Day' on the other hand has failed to follow suit. The inaugural event attracted 36,000 which dropped to a meagre 30,000 last year. This season, with prices dropped to just £10 it is make or break for the concept. The pricing structure is an indication that the powers that be see cost as a primary barrier for entry for supporters. However, If 60,000 or more fans in this 'rugby mad nation' are unwilling to part with a tenner to watch all four regions in the greatest rugby theatre of them all, then we must accept there exist more deep routed issues with regional rugby and its ability to encapsulate the Welsh public. Judgement day in more ways than one perhaps. 

Before posting your next opinion on Wales' performance, Gatland's game plan or even a great victory I ask you to consider if the energy and passion you have for the international game could also be channeled into community or regional rugby in one form or another? The investment of time and money may make such involvement seem unappealing but don't underestimate the importance of the individual in bucking the social trend that is negatively impacting on the heartbeat of rugby at a community and regional level. Head down to your local club, get behind the team or put your boots on if you can and enjoy a beer in the club after the game. You will love it.