The Welsh Rugby Union is "set to take control of two of its regional sides," Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues, according to Steve James of the LONDON TIMES. The takeover of the "impoverished Dragons is imminent and expected," but talks are reportedly "also in progress with the Blues about taking control there, even though it is thought it would be a very different deal from that with the Dragons" because of a proposed multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Arms Park ground. The WRU already has a 50% share in the Dragons and "it is thought that an agreement has already been reached to go ahead with a deal that will save the Gwent region from oblivion." The Dragons "put themselves up for sale last April, but no significant new investment has been found." The WRU will "take control of the Rodney Parade ground in Newport," where the Dragons, Newport RFC and League Two side Newport County AFC all play, and would take on a "debt-free company," with Chair Martyn Hazell and long-time investor Tony Brown "writing off their debts." It is understood that the WRU "will run the Dragons as a full-blown region and not as a development team," but whether any of the four regions can "compete financially with the English and French clubs will remain a problem." The WRU has 16 players on national dual contracts (two each at the Blues and Dragons) and the takeover of two of the regions will "clearly be seen as another step towards complete central control, as is the case in New Zealand" (LONDON TIMES, 3/6).
