OPINION

Soapbox

Moffett`s return is bad news for Wales

Tuesday 28th October 2008

Trouble maker: Moffett could cause major problems in Wales

The opening weekend of the November Test series should, from a Welsh point of view, be one to look forward to with a realistic sense of hope.

Ever since Warren Gatland took charge in Wales there has been a buzz of excitement about our national sport, until now. The reason for a much-deflated approach to the coming series, which on paper is as good as it gets, is the return to Welsh rugby of a certain David Moffett.

We all know what he did when working for the Welsh Rugby Union - regional rugby was born - but now he seems hell bent on ruining any form of relationship between the regions and the Union. It is almost ironic that the man who gave us regional rugby, to improve professionalism and future development of the game in Wales, is now in a position to ruin it all.

Until this bitter, and altogether unnecessary, row between the regions and the Union broke out November 8 was a date to look forward to in a hope that it may well bring Wales' second-ever victory over South Africa.

The Six Nations is a distant memory now, but the fact still remains Wales are the best side in Europe and, with a full-strength squad, are capable of beating South Africa. This is not a Welsh dream, but rather, and especially given the turmoil currently prevalent in South African rugby, a realistic and attainable goal.

Clearly it is not a goal Mr Moffett shares in, as if he had his way Wales would go into the game with as much preparation as a baby turtle caught in its first current. Even when a compromise, a sensible and pragmatic one at that, was offered by Gatland the regions' representative would not budge.

What I struggle to get to grips with is what exactly does Moffett hope to achieve by causing such a rift between the regions and the Union? Is it that he only sees as far as the regions, considering Test rugby an unnecessary distraction from domestic campaigns? Or is it that he just can't stand to see Wales flourish?

Granted he enabled the Union to run more efficiently when he assumed control back in 2002, and the advent of regional rugby has proved to be a godsend in Wales. But, for those who remember, it was he who rid Wales of an 'A' side - which has never been seen since - and it his he who now has the ability to ruin all the work that has gone before.

I hardly blame Gatland for considering his role as Head Coach, as who wants to be in control of a nation who can not agree on a matter as simple as player release. Most of those involved at a coaching level at the regions have played Test rugby themselves, so appreciate just how much of an honour it is. Yet now all they are concerned about is the state of their side, with no time for the achievement of a Test call-up.

We can only hope that in time the Union and Regional Rugby Wales Limited (RRW), where Moffett is the new boss/negotiator (take your pick), can come to a similar agreement as we see in England. Although if it takes as long as it took the RFU to agree on such a settlement Wales could be in for dark days yet.

With a working agreement, where all parties are fully aware of the stipulations, we will avoid any further problems. This in turn will allow us, viewers, players, coaches and Union officials, to focus on the rugby rather than fret over what day players will be available to train on.

If, and I appreciate that is a big if, Wales beat South Africa next weekend it will be in no way thanks to David Moffett and his stubborn, awkward ways. Rather it will be the collective passion and desire of the players, who have no desire to be stuck in the middle of this personal battle that has the potential to bring Welsh rugby to its knees.

So lets forget the politics, lest they ruin our appetite for the coming series, and focus rather on the rugby. After all, that is what we all want to see, the world's best sides going toe-to-toe, not the world's best negotiators making a mockery of our wonderful game.

By Marcus Leach