Pooler pow-wow

New WRU general manager Steve Lewis, a former Ebbw Vale rugby player, and director of rugby Terry Cobner, a former Pontypool great, are to arrange a meeting to try and sort out the club's problems.

Pontypool Premier Rugby Ltd., the company running Pontypool RFC, face a winding-up order in the High Court next week.

Meanwhile, most of last season's players and coaches who helped the club to the Welsh First Division Championship are refusing to play for the club if Mr Jude remains.

Other parties are reported to be interested in taking control at Pontypool Park and there is a meeting of supporters at Pontypool United's clubhouse on Sunday to discuss the issues.

Until now there has been silence from the Welsh Rugby Union, whom, Jude claims owe him thousands of pounds, but today Lewis told the Argus: "We are aware of the problems and are in the process of trying to call a meeting of all interested parties.

"We realise that action needs to be taken and that's why we are getting involved.

"I can't give a date yet because I haven't long returned from New Zealand with the Welsh team while Terry Cobner is involved with the Under-21s at their World cup.

"But we do intend to sit down with the main participants and others interested in the future of the club to try to get to the bottom of the matter and work out a plan.

"All of what we have heard so far has been second hand so we have to find out the precise position first."

Asked what might happen if Mr Jude's company was wound up and a new company formed either by him or someone else to run the club, Lewis replied: "I don't know.

"Most of the issues that may arise are constitutional questions and would have to go before the board for a decision."

He added: "I understand there are other parties interested in taking over the running of the club.

"We will try to do what's best for Pontypool rugby as opposed to Pontypool Rugby Club.

"We certainly don't want to lose the support base for rugby in that area."