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WRU boss considers fifth region

Friday 15th August 2008

Think about it: Lewis will consider the idea of a fifth region in Wales

Welsh Rugby Union boss Roger Lewis has revealed that the Union are actively considering plans for a fifth region in the country.

When regional rugby materialised in Wales back in 2003 there were originally five sides - Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Scarlets, Ospreys and the Celtic Warriors. However the Union's decision to cull the Celtic Warriors in 2004 remains hugely controversial in Wales.

Despite that if a fifth region is to return it is unlikely to be in south Wales, rather north Wales are favourites to host a team designed to develop young talent.

"We are working with north Wales to see if we can put in place a development region," Lewis told The Western Mail.

"And we have to explore other opportunities in Wales as well.

"If I could put the clock back, I would certainly not have disbanded the Celtic Warriors," added Lewis, who admitted that a fifth region would mean a "financial risk" for the Union, who remain heavily in debt.

Ever since David Moffett, then boss of the WRU, oversaw the demise of the Warriors there has been an ongoing debate about the merits of a fifth side in Wales.

The WRU claimed at the time that Wales could not support five teams, neither financially nor with playing talent.

However Warren Gatland, Wales' Head Coach, raised the subject again on Tuesday when he said he would welcome a fifth region on BBC Radio Wales' Sportstime show.

"It's something that we and the WRU have got to consider," said Gatland.

"When I was back in New Zealand, they were talking about the lack of depth and the number of New Zealand players that have left the country.

"I said to them: 'Imagine only having four Super 14 teams and seven of the players in each team being foreigners. That's what I have got to select the Welsh team from."