'Admit mistakes or face the music'

Apr 1 2006 Simon Thomas, Western Mail

WRU chiefs have been told to admit their mistakes over Ruddockgate ... or face the consequences.

That's the stark message from leading club official Chris Clark, chairman of the Premiership group of clubs.

In a revealing interview, Clark provides the clearest indication yet of the deep concern at grassroots level over the WRU's handling of the Mike Ruddock affair and other incendiary issues.

Clark spoke as the WRU admitted last night they would have to call an extraordinary general meeting to debate the problems in Welsh rugby after documentation from rebel clubs demanding one arrived at their Cardiff HQ.

The meeting, which will address the way chief executive Steve Lewis handled Ruddock's abrupt departure, will conclude with a vote of no confidence in the WRU's 17-man board of directors.

Cross Keys secretary Clark stressed his club are NOT one of the 13 rebel clubs who have put their name to the call for an EGM.

But Clark's comments demonstrate that it's not just the "rebels" who are disturbed over recent events.

And he warned that unless the people who run Welsh rugby accept accountability for their actions, they can fear the worst from the vote of no confidence that will be held.

"My club is not a rebel club. We have not put our signature to the notice of an EGM," said Clark.

"But we, and a lot of other people who care deeply about Welsh rugby, are concerned about the general management of the WRU and the mistakes that have been made in the handling of different situations.

"The biggest mistake was over Mike Ruddock. It is something that touched the emotion of the people in Wales. Everyone I have spoken to believes that Mike was shabbily treated. It's a situation that hasn't gone away and it's in the mind of every rugby watcher in Wales."

Clark believes someone at the top of the WRU must hold their hands up over Ruddock's abrupt exit in the middle of the Six Nations.

"We are human and, from time to time, we make mistakes," he said. "You have to be man enough to admit them and learn from it. If somebody puts their hand up at the EGM and says they made a mistake, they would be respected for that.

"If they don't, then the clubs will make a decision when it comes to the vote of no confidence. The outcome of that vote depends on the tone of the meeting.

"At the moment, nobody within the WRU is accepting there has been a mistake. Everybody is just trying to defend their actions. But, by defending them, they are making things worse and digging a bigger hole for themselves.

"Nobody is accepting accountability or responsibility for the mistakes that have been made. They are simply trying to justify them."

Clark went on, "My major concern is there is no accountability or responsibility. If the clubs step out of line or speak offensively to a referee or breach WRU rules in any way, they can be brought to account under the code of conduct.

"But nobody at the top is being held accountable for the errors that have been made. Clubs have to be accountable for what they do and the governing body has to be as well.

"I believe somebody ought to be answerable for some of the mistakes that have been made."

Clark said clubs in Gwent had not been convinced by the Red Zone Roadshow where WRU chiefs gave their version of Ruddockgate.

"I spoke to a number of people who went to the roadshow and they thought it was a stage-managed event where the WRU's media advisor asked a number of well-planned questions and the top table gave a number of well-planned answers," said Clark. "It won't be like that at the EGM. We will have a vociferous meeting."

Clark said there was widespread disquiet over the WRU's ticket distribution policy - an issue which the rebel clubs have put on the EGM agenda.

"I find it distasteful the union had to humiliate a number of clubs publicly regarding the ticket situation," he said. Reflecting on the EGM, Clark said, "It's an extremely important meeting. There are issues that need to be resolved."

Meanwhile, yet another row erupted in Welsh rugby yesterday - over the date of the EGM called by member clubs.

The clubs who have forced the showdown insist the meeting MUST be held within 21 days according to the rule book. But the WRU have put a different spin on the regulation, contained in their official handbook.

They released a statement last night claiming they only have to respond to the request to hold a meeting within 21 days. The matter, say the WRU, will be debated at a board meeting on Thursday.

But if the WRU stick to their stance, it means the EGM will not be held until after the special meeting of clubs called for by the WRU for April 23.

The WRU also named former board member Howard Watkins as a representative for the rebel clubs.

Those rebel clubs, unhappy at the manner Ruddock's departure and a raft of other issues, are adamant they want the EGM held by April 21.

They cite Resolution 33 of the WRU handbook, saying the rule is clear.

The rule book states, "The board of directors will proceed to convene an EGM of the company within 21 days of the receipt of a requisition to that effect signed by the chairman and secretary, or a director and the secretary, of not fewer than 10 members."

A clubs' spokesman said, "The WRU can interpret the constitution how it likes, but the fact is the EGM has to be held within 21 days of the motion being served on the union. The WRU can come back to us and seek an extension. It's up to us whether we agree."

The clubs have put the issue of David Moffett not being replaced on the agenda for the EGM.

Other items on it are:

Queries surrounding the director's role performed by Millennium Stadium boss Paul Sergeant since Moffett's exit;

Claims that the WRU's five-man executive board axed Ruddock before informing the full board of directors;

Unhappiness over how tickets have been distributed for Wales' home fixtures and anger at the WRU for publicly humiliating clubs after tickets found their way on to the black market.