No need for drink during the match
PROGRESS is being made on many fronts across Welsh rugby and three elements of success come together to build that future success we all seek. Those elements are interdependent: winning on the field, good governance both supported by the thousands of ardent fans.
As we have seen and read, the Six Nations was a time of partially advancing a winning approach but coupled with some frustrations of both decisions and selection. Let us hope the summer tour is adopted to develop a winning style towards the World Cup when statistics show that a winning formula today requires approximately four tries per game to win.
Congratulations must be due to Gareth Davies and his colleagues for proposing the changes in governance to bring the WRU into a style and process of management consistent with well managed organisations today. This deserves every success and regions and clubs should move with the times.
The third aspect is to keep the wealth of support across Wales and wider.
I am an example since my father took me to my first match in 1952. I am now fortunate to hold debentures to ensure tickets for home games.
Much has been written about the culture of those who attend matches as “events” rather than as true supporters.
There is no debate about unacceptable behaviour. In the autumn there will be trial of a designated non- alcoholic area. But why should we forsake debenture seats to move to a less favourable seat?
Trials in the autumn should be varied to measure true and comparative outcomes eg not allowing drink into the stadium during a match; closing the bars during the game.
“Having a drink is an important part of match-day experience,” says Mr Phillips. Absolutely fine but before and after the match not during it for the discomfort and distraction for those of us who follow the game.
There should be a controlled trial of seeking different solutions. As two former retailers I extend an open invitation to the CEO to sit “incognito” with me in my debenture seats and witness the antics of non-rugby followers to assess customer service and value for money. I hope it is accepted to help change and build those three elements towards future success. Gareth Williams Treoes, Vale of Glamorgan