What would be better for the future of Welsh rugby?

[Dan y Bar]

What would be better for the future of Welsh rugby?

A 6 nations wooden spoon I reckon.

[Fabric]

Originally Posted by Eugene Wrayburn

Isn't this a problem though? To keep players in Wales the pro clubs need money. To get money they need more people buying merchandise and tickets. Might an HC win not help win some of those village supporters away to their nearest/preferred pro team?

Not necessarily true.

A fairer distribution of the existing £6m could do that.

[Fabric]

Originally Posted by Eugene Wrayburn

Er other than the Grand Slam? And the wins against the SH? And the improved 6N performances and results? Cash. Which I'm afraid is needed to run a pro rugby environment. Both Mnster and Leinster had substantially built their crowds before the wins but I'm pretty sure the wins have helped maintain growth in attendance and merchandise sales. Rugby is now a habit for a group of people who may not otherwise have come to the sport. I have no doubt that that has helped pull in some of the youngsters who are now playing U20s rugby. You asked about the benefits and I've said. I don't want this thread to be about Ireland - our path has been what it is by chance rather than design.

I think at the moment cash is the most pressing concern for welsh rugby. It might be that playing 4 AIs and securing more lucrative sponsorship on the back of another Grand Slam would do it. Maybe a grand slam is essential to improving the team and that's the most important thing for the game in Wales in general. I'm not sure. Which is why I'm asking the question.

Munster's first final was in 2000.

On November 12th, 1999, Munster beat Pontypridd in front of 6,500.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/res...ason=1999-2000

Substantially built their crowd?

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Originally Posted by Fabric

Munster's first final was in 2000.

On November 12th, 1999, Munster beat Pontypridd in front of 6,500.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/res...ason=1999-2000

Substantially built their crowd?

you'll note I said wins.

[hwntw]

Originally Posted by Eugene Wrayburn

Not really relevant to this thread. I'll happily start another on this board to discuss it if you like.

Sorry matey, but threads evolve on the WMB, that's how we roll, if you don't like it, you know the score.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Given that we have 3 Grand Slams in recent years and 0 HCs then I have to say the HC would be better. It would mean that our regional game (or at least, one of our regions) has improved beyond recognition.

This is assuming that not getting the GS doesn't mean a disasterous 6N. If the choice was 1) GS and rubbish HEC or 2) wooden spoon and HC win, then I'd take the GS and rubbish HEC.

If we'd had 3 GSs and 3 HCs in the last 8 years then I'd say 100% another GS would be better.

[Ebbw Whale]

How about 2 - 3 sides getting to the final stages?

It concerns me that the mental and physical commitment seems to be lacking at regional level in too many games. The more quality rugby these teams play then the better Wales will play.

I have said before that we need to see the regions producing flowing rugby before the Welsh side gets into full gear.

I will therefore opt for success in the HC but it doesn't count if only one side does well.

Eb.

[Leniency?]

ALL BLACKS KICK YOU ASS LOL LOL LOL

[The Dude]

Originally Posted by Leniency?

ALL BLACKS KICK YOU ASS LOL LOL LOL

The new lyrics to that dance you do before the off, eh? More of an American military style now then, is it? How many man hours do the AB's put into the Haka?
Anyway, doesn't matter. Like I say I would, above all, like to see another Slam. God knows England are gaggin for it and Scotland are going to arse-screw us all when four years are up. But to see a Welsh side win the H/C would be very nice too. A Slam and H/C would be a bloody miracle. A Slam a H/C win and beat the AB's this autumn? O Mam Bach! Yes please, God.

[Rugby Nick]

For me the GS is still the aim of the game. But for growth in Wales?

I'd still say the GS. Right now we need to develop a 'winning culture' for our players to not feel inferior to the SH big guns. Would a HEC win change that? Possibly for a few players, but it's at the national stage that the most welsh players get the benefit. Put together 2 or 3 GS's in a row and I think that the fans and players would start to get more belief, which would trickle down to the regions.

Right now there is interest developing at regional level, certainly at the Os thanks to a very generous season ticket package (and iirc the turks were doing well in sales, but could well be wrong on that). A decent HEC run (a couple of quarter finalists and a semi finalist) would be enough to develop interest atm.

There are issues at regional level that wont be papered over by a HEC win (and if it were papered over, could do more harm for welsh rugby), better sharing out of money, rejigging of finances, a better understanding of what fans want, cardiff's stadium issues, etc. Propping up these issues with a HEC win wouldn't help at this stage imo.

I'll take a GS win with incremental development of regional fan bases and ideally, regions coming to understand their fans, what they want etc. Progress is being made from what I have seen (for personal reasons I have barely paid any attention to rugby in this off season so not 100% sure on that) but there is still a way to go. Which means, for now, developing an international winning mentality that allows us to compete with the SH, as I am convinced that player wise we're only a 10 (and a lineout) off having the skills to win well, at least at home, against the likes of Oz