Rugby World: The Champions

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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THE CHAMPIONS
ALL THE LEAGUE WINNERS IN 2007-08 FIND YOUR REGION INSIDE
TEAM OF THE YEAR
THE CREATION of a professional North Wales skills gap that exists with higher-placed sides,
team was a bridge too far when the regions were and U16 and U18 teams from the area will, for
launched in 2003 – but times are changing. the ﬁ rst time, have full regional status when
Gogledd Cymru, North Wales’ ﬂ edgling regional competing in the Reebok Cup. A new ground,
team, is not only up and running but targeting a at an athletics stadium in Colwyn Bay, ticks
place in the Welsh Premiership, a goal cited in the another box, but it will take £300,000 and,
WRU’s strategic plan as being achievable by 2010. possibly, the embracing of North Walians playing
It’s a tall order but there’s no doubting the outside the region to make the team’s motto –
ambition of a region which, though having ‘live the dream’ – come true. Their funds have
a population of 700,000, has just 23 rugby been bolstered by links with a number of North
clubs – none of them higher than Division Four. Wales enterprises, including becoming the
“Our dream is that one day Gogledd Cymru Richard ‘Tintin’ Hughes has a 200-mile return ﬁ rst team to promote milk as a sports drink in
will be the best regional team in Wales,” says trip from Pwllheli – and training, under coaches association with South Caernarfon Creameries.
manager Kenton Morgan. “When that happens, Jon Aby and Norman Stalker, is restricted to one Gogledd Cymru are the 2007-08 Rugby
the current players will be able to turn to their lengthy Sunday session a month. World/Canterbury Team of the Year, taking the
grandchildren and say, ‘I made a difference’.” The likes of Sale Jets, Worcester Warriors A and award ahead of Chester, Gwernyfed, Eastleigh,
All of the side play club rugby on Saturdays, Llandovery provided tough opposition this term, Old Halesonians, Old Cranleighans and Mersea
convening for ten or so midweek games a but there will be no let-up as Gogledd Cymru try Island. They win a set of Canterbury kitbags and
season. Demography and distance have meant to prove they merit a Premiership place. Fixtures Armourﬁ t tops. Over the page, we salute all the
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huge journeys for some – on occasions ﬂ anker will be increased next season in a bid to close the sides who achieved league or cup glory… n
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Our clubs guide returns next season. But if you have any news about your club, phone our clubs editor Michael
Austin on 01400 282189, fax him on 01400 281662 or email him at michael_austin@freelance.ipcmedia.com
CONTRIBUTORS: Paul Bolton, Katie Field, Brian Owen and Steve Williams
RUGBY WORLD JULY 2008 115
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