I can't believe Steve Phillips got a £480k pay off Welsh Rugby Union posts £4.3m loss with £1.9m given to departing employees - https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67352389
They probably felt that they couldn’t dismiss him for gross misconduct so needed to negotiate a package which would, inter alia cover paying him in lieu of his notice period - pretty standard approach He will probably try and build an NED portfolio and add to the one he has at Milford Haven Port Authority.
Former England winger Ugo Monye has revealed he was targeted by "disgusting" racial abuse by a fan following Exeter Chiefs' win over Gloucester on Sunday night as he issued a furious message to fellow supporters for not stepping in to stop it. The 40-year-old was on co-commentary duty for TNT Sports at Sandy Park as the Chiefs snatched a last-gasp victory, but was left disgusted as he left the ground and overheard "the most blatant racism" from a member of the crowd. He alleges the supporter repeatedly shouted a racial slur while those around him did nothing. While the fan then became involved in a "mild scuffle", he walked away as others came up to Monye to comfort him. However, the ex-Harlequins star was left "so fed up" by the crowd's inaction and took to X shortly after the incident to vent his frustration. Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting 'N****, N****'," he wrote. "Disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it. "He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me 'We’re with you'," he added. "B****** you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up" Exeter Chiefs have since released a statement condemning the incident, with the club saying they will launch a full investigation as they attempt to identify the person responsible. They also apologised to Monye, describing him as "highly respected by everyone" at the club. In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter Rugby Club will be launching a full investigation," it read. "This behaviour will not be tolerated at our Rugby Club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms." "Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community that is highly respected by everyone at our club. If anyone has any information regarding this incident we would ask you to get in touch with the Chiefs as soon as you can." Gloucester also rushed to support Monye and condemned the incident, with a statement posted on X reading: "Gloucester Rugby would like to express, in the strongest of terms, its full support of @ugomonye. We encourage a thorough investigation and will cooperate fully to ensure the culprit is identified. Racism has no place anywhere - including in our sport." An absolutely disgraceful incident.
Only 1 Welshman played against the 1993 All Blacks on their tour of England and Scotland: There’s also a ‘Welshman’ playing for the ABs
They say there’s not enough money to fund 4 professional regions: well rather than cut finance to the Regions, why can’t they try and find additional revenue - new streams and growing those that they have (in their control) currently? At the moment, I’m still not confident that the new Board will deliver ….
Cardiff Rugby can confirm contracts have been exchanged with Helford Capital Limited to acquire a majority shareholding in Cardiff Rugby Limited. The investment group, spearheaded by British businessmen Phil Kempe and Neal Griffith, will secure the shareholding of the Thomas family and other significant shareholders of the club. A General Meeting of the company will now be called to approve the transaction and set out further strategic detail to shareholders. In a new and exciting era for Cardiff Rugby, Helford Capital are committed to driving the club back to being a competitive force in Europe, while protecting its rich history and heritage. The investment group have already secured approval from the Welsh Rugby Union and from Cardiff Athletic Club, who will retain a minority shareholding in the club, and have invited Sir Gareth Edwards to become the club’s Honorary President, which we are delighted to announce he has accepted. Cardiff Rugby chair Alun Jones said: “Following the passing of Peter Thomas, our long-standing president and benefactor, a number of interested parties, who could invest in the club, were identified. “We are delighted to now confirm that contracts have been exchanged with Helford Capital Ltd, who will become the company’s new owners pending a General Meeting. “Cardiff Rugby remain enormously grateful to Peter Thomas for his passionate and unwavering support over so many years and also to his family, who have stood beside us following his sad passing in March. “We are also very grateful to a number of other significant shareholders, who have agreed to pass on the baton to Phil, Neal and their partners. “This is a historic and significant moment for the club and we are all enormously excited about the future for Cardiff Rugby. “We look forward to sharing the vision and strategy for the club to supporters in due course, and implementing it with Helford Capital at the helm.” Phil Kempe, Neal Griffith and their business partners have a long-term aim to fulfil the vision and ambition of the late Peter Thomas, but will immediately look to stabilise the club, while building solid foundations for future success. The strategy will remain focussed on developing local talent, with investments made in resource and facilities throughout the pathway and academy system to ensure the very best development system. This will lead to a world class professional environment where the best Welsh talent will be supplemented with overseas quality. Cardiff RFC will also benefit as not only a vehicle to develop talent but as a competitive force in their competitions. Phil Kempe is a proud Welshman with an association stretching more than a decade with the club and is fully aware of the Welsh rugby landscape and the unique structure of Cardiff Rugby. He has a range of successful business interests across multiple industries in the UK, Canada and the Middle East. Meanwhile Neal Griffith, who also has Welsh roots, is a former investment banker with numerous global business interests as both an investor and director. The duo already have significant business relationships in the United Arab Emirates, which they plan to leverage for the benefit of Cardiff Rugby. Craig Davies, speaking on behalf of Babs Thomas and the entire Thomas family, said: “Following the sad passing of Peter, the time was right to hand the baton on to others, those who possess the same passion and vision as Peter, and have the ability to lead and invest in the club. “Peter gave so much to Cardiff Rugby, over so many decades and it is vitally important that the club is passed to the right people. We are entrusting Peter’s legacy to Phil and Neal and having known Phil for number of years, Neal for some time, and listened to their thorough plans, we know Cardiff is in safe hands and supporters can be confident they will deliver. “We are enormously grateful to everyone who has been involved in this process and now look forward to continuing to visit the Arms Park, maintaining an active interest and cheering on the Blue and Blacks as supporters.”
