A FORTNIGHT ago this column highlighted the plight of Wales supporters whose 50-year debentures expired at the start of this month without the offer of a one-season extension as compensation for the seven home matches lost to Covid.
In a statement issued to The Rugby Paper, a Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson said: “All 1969 debenture holders who have not extended their debentures have been notified that they will given priority access to tickets in the season ahead.''
One of those affected, Llanelli RFC historian Les Williams, says he has received no such notification. Neither have two friends, each of whom took out the same debenture at the same time but declined the Union's only renewal offer – £4,000 over 15 years – on grounds of old age.
In a letter to all debenture holders on November 12 last year, the WRU said: “In recognition that debenture entitlements are currently unable to be utilized, the WRU has decided to apply an extension to debenture terms where possible as a goodwill gesture…''
There have been 12 debenture issues over the last 52 years. A 12- month extension applies to all issues except the first, which leaves Williams and his friends feeling shortchanged.
“I understand that they cannot offer me my old seat because it will have been re-sold,'' says Les. “I'm not asking for a free ticket, just the opportunity to buy one for the seven home games we missed last year – four next autumn and three at home in the Six Nations next year.
“I thought it would be a nice gesture but I am not aware of having received any such notification.''
