THE REGIONS have outlined their reasons for backing the clubs’ demand for an emergency general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union, citing “dissatisfaction with the decision-making and lack of communication from the board and executive”.

Regional Rugby Wales – the body that represents Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets – also revealed that they have received a fresh rugby services agreement offer from the WRU chairman David Pickering. The current accord has just 38 days to run.

RRW is calling for “an open and informed debate” after the quartet were among the 43 that have forced an EGM and have reiterated the position that they made in an open submission to the Welsh Assembly Government in February.

A statement read: “The regions believe that the inadequacy of the governance of the WRU is at the root cause of the issues faced by the Regions, the semi-professional game and the community clubs regarding their relationship with the WRU.

“Neither the regions, nor the national side can be sustainable or competitive without a strong foundation of grass roots rugby from community clubs throughout Wales, the most significant contribution of all to the health of Welsh rugby.

“The clubs are the essential start point for every young player and the contribution of the many volunteers who work tirelessly to provide people of all ages the opportunity to be involved in the game is critical for the future of the game.

“In addition to their role as the foundation of all rugby in Wales, we are very conscious that the community clubs are an essential part of the social fabric of many communities around Wales and should be encouraged to celebrate their own identities and goals.”

The Union said they would relish the chance to engage with the unhappy clubs at an EGM.

“The WRU welcomes the opportunity to address the issues raised by the clubs through an open and well informed debate,” read a statement released on Thursday evening.

“The proposed league restructure appears to be the primary issue in the nomination letters. The WRU is determined to provide all the information the 43 member clubs require within the EGM forum.”