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Newport Gwent Dragons To Change Name As Part Of WRU Takeover

Pro12 side Newport Gwent Dragons is "to be called simply the Dragons as part of the takeover deal involving the Welsh Rugby Union," according to Paul Abbandonato of WALES ONLINE.  Plans to drop "Newport" and "Gwent" from the title were confirmed by WRU CEO Martyn Phillips. Phillips was addressing the press following "months of speculation suggesting the WRU could bail out the struggling region." The WRU confirmed negotiations were "at an advanced stage" and spelled out the governing body's "desire to make a success of things at Rodney Parade." Asked about the name, Phillips said, "That’s one of the big emotive topics. Our sense is that this team will be called the Dragons. That's not trying to set up Gwent against Newport or anything like that. We need to get over the name thing quickly. ... We are regional rugby, we're not super clubs." Of the takeover, he said, "When you look at the deal, the only real justification we can have is for rugby. We feel we have a responsibility to step in" (WALES ONLINE, 3/22). Abbandonato also reported the move "must still be cleared by shareholders" of Newport RFC. Of the 1,000 shareholders, 750 "must agree for the move to go ahead." If that move goes through, all Newport Gwent Dragons employees will be "taken on by the union and a new company will be formed," which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the WRU. The company will be "free of any debt owed" (WALES ONLINE, 3/22).

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