Neath still in limbo after case adjourned
UNCERTAINTY continues to surround the future of Neath RFC after the petition to wind up the club was adjourned to another date.
The court order, which could spell the end of one of Wales’ most famous rugby clubs, was due to be heard at the County Court at Port Talbot Justice Centre yesterday.
But it was decided to defer the hearing to a specialist court in Cardiff at a date to be fixed.
The club, trading as Neath Rugby Limited, have found themselves in this plight following the demise of owner Mike Cuddy’s construction business Cuddy Group.
The winding-up order against Neath Rugby Limited has been presented by finance company Jardine Norton, claiming to be a creditor.
Mr Cuddy (pictured) was present at the hearing, as was a group of Neath supporters.
Already, nine players have left the stricken club because of the financial uncertainty and there is a fear among fans that more will follow.
Many have called for Mr Cuddy to step away from the club so new investment can be found.
In a statement issued earlier this month, general manager Gareth Howells said: “Neath Rugby can confirm that a number of players have left the club due to the current situation of the winding-up order and its impact on their contracts.
“Whilst we are disappointed to lose players in these circumstances, we would like to thank them for their services to Neath and wish them well for the future.
“The winding-up order is in the hands of solicitors and we are awaiting a decision.”
The club, rooted to the foot of the Principality Premiership table, had to draft in a number of permit players from lower league clubs in order to fulfil their recent fixtures against Bargoed and Cardiff.
However, with a full national league programme returning this week following the autumn Test series, they could find it increasingly difficult to pull in players.
Neath are due to take on Bedwas at Bridge Field on Saturday.
WalesOnline asked Mr Cuddy for a comment following the hearing, but the former Ospreys chief declined.