MP calls for independent assessments before Premiership reforms go ahead
Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has backed Pontypool RFC in their talks with the WRU over safety. After meeting with Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle and Pooler Managing Director Frank Stanton, Mr Murphy has written to the WRU to ask them to postpone their Premiership reform plans to allow for an independent assessment of all grounds.
Paul Murphy MP said:
“I’ve contacted the WRU to ask them to postpone their plans, so that independent assessments of all grounds can take place. It’s vital that there is a level playing field for all clubs, so that everyone can see that they’ve been dealt with fairly. At the moment, the clubs seem to have lost confidence in the procedure, so I’d argue that it’s best to rethink things before it’s too late.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with the Free Press editorial last week (December 7th), and local people have expressed the same concerns to me in recent days. Pooler are too important to our area and the people I represent to allow things to go ahead regardless, especially when so much is at stake. Without Pontypool in the Premiership, there’d be no Gwent involvement north of Cross Keys, which is unthinkable given the history of clubs like Pooler and Ebbw Vale. I’m right behind the club, the Council and our Assembly Member Lynne Neagle as they try to get this situation resolved.”
