Quote Originally Posted by TH63 View Post
And how many of them regularly watch their local team? Cardiff Blues average 7,000 a game, City averaged 16,000 in season 15/16 when we were shit. Newport Gwent Dragons average 5,000 whilst County average about 3,000.

On that basis, how on earth can they compete financially for players with the big French and English clubs?

Welsh Rugby Internationals are more of a social event than a sporting one these days. Sure, like every sport, there are some hardcore supporters but most of them seem to be hellbent on getting totally shitfaced, showing off their sparkly cowboy hats and with a bit of luck gurning on the big screen.

Imagine telling Chris Coleman that he can only pick players who currently play in Wales? Ridiculous.
I think the Welsh regions spend around a third of the amount on wages that the big English teams do. Lots of teams making big losses to keep up.