Blues told to cut Cardiff ties

CARDIFF Blues are set to come under pressure from the WRU if they fail to conform with a stipulation that they cannot retain an interest in Premiership side Cardiff RFC.

The WRU's Professional Rugby Board (PRB) had agreed none of the regions should have a direct relationship with Premiership sides in their area.

Ospreys were forced to back out of Swansea and Bridgend, Dragons jettisoned Newport, and Scarlets no longer own Llanelli RFC.

But at the Arms Park, where the Blues are currently going through a delicate renegotiation process with Cardiff Athletic Club over a new lease on the ground, the picture is different.

Cardiff RFC's ‘A' Licence, which allows them to play in the semipro Welsh Premiership, is still held by the Blues.

That means the Blues continue to invest funds in the club, a situation the PRB voted to abolish and which led one PRB member last week to describe the Cardiff Blues' relationship with Cardiff as “illegal”. The matter is likely to be raised at this week's PRB meeting.

Talks between the region and the club in recent months have brought about a change in attitude about the collective way forward on the playing front, with the Blues changing their name to Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff RFC ready to be rechristened Cardiff Athletic, or the ‘Rags'.

That would make the semi-pro team the designated second XV at the Blues and able to play as their ‘A' team in any potential cross-border tournaments with the Scottish or Irish clubs.

Cardiff RFC players remain on furlough, but all payments are conducted by the Blues.

By ROB COLE