Newport Gwent Dragons are currently undergoing massive changes, but what does this mean for Gwents’ struggling super club and its supporters?
Newport Gwent Dragons Shake-Up
SELLING TIME
The Dragons, to give them their shortened name, are going to sell off all shares in an attempt to rein-gage the region to a competitive level both on and off the field. This will also wipe off any debt that remains that hasn’t been put into shares, allowing a ‘clean slate’ for professional rugby in Gwent.
Current owners that stand with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) owning 50% of the club with M. Hazell being the other majority shareholder. There are other shareholders, holding less stakes in the Dragons such as A.Brown and W.Godfrey, but these hold significantly less sizable shares than either Hazell and the WRU.
It must be mentioned that the WRU’s shares are ‘sleeping ones’ and they don’t actually play an active role in running the region via the board. The WRU have however shown their support in the matter by: a) allowing this to happen, and b) admitting they will play a role in trying to find a new investor for the Gwent side. Both would be significant moves and perhaps, the first positive move by the WRU to help a region move on from a ‘struggling state’ to a competitive side with positive bank balances.
The board has said that they will only consider selling their shares on if the buyer is the right kind of buyer (has an interest in rugby and has the best interest for Gwent rugby at mind) with them being at a right age to spend a long term future with the Newport Gwent Dragons (NGD)
So bearing that in mind, Last Word On Sports analyses what has caused the majority of confusion amongst supporters and onlookers alike.
KEY QUESTIONS ASKED
WHERE WILL THE SIDE PLAY ONCE AN INVESTOR COMES IN?
To be honest, I don’t think it could be played anywhere else other than Rodney Parade (pictured) and that’s exactly what CEO Stuart Davies plans to do. Showing his want for it to stay in Newport, and lets face it as a fellow Twitter follower has suggested “where would corporates stay during the game?” On the Ebbw bank in sub-zero temperatures? or in the shed tunnel down at Pandy park in the pouring rain?
Highly unlikely for potential sponsors with millions ready to spend. Dragons Rugby Limited (the company the finance books are under) have also signed a lease with NRFC Limited; the company and side (Newport RFC) who own Rodney Parade, allowing them to play there in future with an agreement in place already.
WHO IS THE NEW INVESTOR?
There isn’t one currently lined up in the pipe works. However, the board are actively searching for investors, with the unions help. This is why the game against Gloucester in the Challenge Cup is so big, as it could provide a large focal point in which to lure in the new backers. The hardest part for the current board is persuading people to invest money in something that has been a ‘car wreck’ (so to speak) since its implementation in 2003.
I’d also like to take this moment so say what fabulous servants Hazell, Brown, Godfrey and co. have been in pushing so much money into something that hasn’t always yielded a good product, either financially or on the pitch.
WHAT WILL THE REGION BE CALLED AFTER A TAKEOVER ?
Honestly no one can probably tell 100% but it will probably lean towards ‘Newport’ due to them playing often in Newports’ black and amber colours, playing within Newport, Wales itself and perhaps the largest factor of all which is, that the city of Newport is a worldwide recognized area and can be marketed effectively–allowing more income (theoretically)
There has however been a shout to call it Gwent, but since the majority of season ticket holders are from Newport itself, I doubt very much that will go down very well. The Dragons would be my option for a name, as it doesn’t limit the team to any geographical area, nor does it ‘alienate’ some fans as many say they are being done so.
Overall, the ultimate decision will be made by the owners who I just hope, spend a bit of time and money researching into what the name could benefit the club most, prior to making any decision.
CAN SOME GAMES BE PLAYED AROUND GWENT?
As a rugby fan from Ebbw Vale, I would like to see the super-club play minor games (against Italians per say) and around Gwent at Pooler Park or Eugene Cross Park possibly. Although I don’t think this is financially viable; as the highest ground capacity outside of Rodney Park is in Ebbw Vale, which at last check was only listed at 8000 spectator capacity. This wont get anywhere near that figure, due to health and safety regulations even though, I couldn’t see NGD getting anywhere near that if I am being honest.
This has raised eyebrows as to how it could be financially done, which is my fear. The Dragons would need to lose out massively for one or two games perhaps, just to spread it around Gwent.
HOW MUCH OF PROBLEM IS THIS [CHANGE] FOR NGD RIGHT NOW?
This is not really a problem, as in the shares are still in the hands of capable businessmen and the WRU, who will own it until the board decides who to sell the part-ownership to. The Dragons (I say that to shorten the name only, before any fans jump on me for getting the name wrong) will not be in any trouble and wont disappear any time soon, and so for current fans DO NOT PANIC! Your side will still be here for some time yet.
The only trouble this may have caused them could be the ongoing sale and renewals of season tickets, as fans worry or ponder over what the side will be named, what they will be called and how they will be run. I don’t blame them, as many may not want to support a Gwent side, a ‘Newport’ side or a Dragons side, depending on what name/configuration is chosen.
POSSIBLE NAMES FOR NEW SIDE?
There are many floating around, such as the current ‘Newport Gwent Dragons’. Others include a shortened version of that with either ‘Newport Dragons’ or just ‘Gwent Dragons’. Some call for the name that was originally thought of in 2003, which was the ‘Gwent Steelers’ (the obvious Ebbw Vale link) however is that still relevant? Not really, so don’t expect that name.
In conclusion, all this means the Dragons will be looking for new investors, whilst their current backers remain where they are. The board only plans to sell to someone that they think is capable of undertaking such a large business venture, in such complicated terms. This will mean they become an independent region, just like the other three in Wales, as there is only one group of owners and no union who only take control to prevent a Newport standalone club from taking off.
So fans of the Newport Gwent Dragons, carry on as you would, knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for your Guinness Pro12 side.
“Main photo credit”
