FOUR events in 24 hours have almost defied belief - but one has a really serious undertone, the outcome of which is crucial for the future of Welsh rugby.

The shocks sure came thick and fast, so rapid you could barely keep pace.

First of all there was the resignation of David Moffett as WRU group chief executive - a real bolt from the blue - then there was the victory by Newport Gwent Dragons, rated a 25-1 to win the Powergen Cup compared with Leicester the 3-1 favourites, during which I couldn't believe chants of 'Newport, Newport' being drowned out by shouts of 'Dragons, Dragons,' and finally came the amazing signing of Jonah Lomu by Cardiff Blues. Incredible.

Every one has set the tongues wagging for entirely different reasons, and I'd want half a dozen columns to go into them all thoroughly.

But one overrides them all by some distance - the decision of Moffett to go so early into a four-year contract extension, and in particular the long term implications.

Welsh rugby absolutely must steer the course which Moffett has set if the reforms he has put in place are to last, and if the sick patient which was Welsh rugby when he came in is not just to survive but flourish.

What we can't have at any price is the old petty rivalries resurfacing, the problems which dragged Welsh rugby to its knees taking hold again, the old culture of one favour deserves another getting any kind of grip again.

For when Moffett stepped in Welsh rugby was basically paralysed, unable to do anything about a debt which was spiralling out of control, £70m and rising, getting to a stage where the Millennium Stadium would have to be sold.

That was off the field. On it Welsh rugby was in just as critical a state, also going bankrupt trying to run nine teams at professional level when there was neither the money nor the quality player base to keep them all going.

Everyone recognised the numbers had to come down, but no-one could solve the problem. On both fronts Moffett did something about it involving considerable pain but sorting it out for the general good even if not to everyone's liking.

WRU staff were made redundant as the body became more accountable, a streamlined committee, known as the board was set up, sponsors were attracted, revenue streams were increased especially through the Millennium Stadium, Mike Ruddock was surprisingly appointed as Wales coach and nine main teams became five.

That was further reduced when the Celtic Warriors went bankrupt and disbanded, effectively disenfranchising the Rhondda Valleys, Pontypridd and Bridgend from rugby at the highest level. But the proof of the pudding has been in the eating.

Wales won the Grand Slam for the first time in 27 years and three of the four Welsh regions have just beaten top English opposition in the re-formed Powergen Cup. So the building blocks are in place.

A few things remain, but basically the ship now has to be steered through much calmer waters, and that has to be down to Moffett and his influence more than anything else.

But it's one thing toeing the line under an abrasive Australian, it's another matter altogether asking Welshmen to do the same under an equally abrasive fellow Welshman.

Moffett's successor as WRU chief executive rather than group c/e is Steve Lewis, not universally popular either it has to be said for much the same reason.

The big question is how Lewis - and WRU chairman David Pickering - handle all those sectional interests and how people respond.

For make no bones about it, some names from the past will resurface and try to grab a piece of the action. Self interest will surely try to take over again, and it just remains to be seen what the outcome will be. For the sake of Welsh rugby, we cannot possibly revert to past ways.

Moffett has done all he can, now he's going. The reasons may be personal and private, but there's no doubt in my mind that having achieved all, or most of what he wanted - stadium naming rights still have to be agreed - there was little left for him to do.

This essentially amiable man who after initial disagreements over regional rugby I found to be open, honest and approachable, has done what he does best - manage change and departs the scene. I can only say bon voyage!

As he goes so one of the game's real icons arrives, Jonah Lomu on a seven-month deal with Cardiff Blues in a deal financed by entrepreneur Peter Thomas.

Even Gary Teichman joining Newport pales alongside this one. Whatever Lomu's playing ability after a kidney transplant and shoulder injury - he hasn't played seriously for two years - it is a massive commercial proposition.

A deal said to be worth £3,000 a week will pay for itself many times over as Lomu packs the Arms Park out every time he plays.

Some signing. Some 24 hours for Welsh rugby.