No regrets in Bowl row, say Pembroke

PEMBROKE say they have no regrets about denying Cardiff University a place in the final of the WRU’s National Bowl against Porthcawl, writes ANDY HOWELL.

The West Wales club lodged a complaint with the union about the composition of the university team they faced in the semi-final of the competition.

It was made on the grounds the college had fielded ineligible players from higher divisions in their 32-12 victory over Pembroke at Dunvant’s Broadacre ground last month.

Cardiff University were adamant they had special dispensation to play any of their students in the competition.

An initial WRU hearing found in their favour, but then Pembroke appealed to a separate committee, which overturned the original decision.

Forwards coach Kyle Davies was keen to give Pembroke’s version of events, explaining in detail what happened and why they had gone to the WRU.

“Alarm bells started ringing when we played Cardiff University and saw the standard of the players we were up against,” he said.

“Someone said they had boys who were in the gym every day up against boys who were under the car bonnet earning a living.

“If you put five or six players in from a higher level against a Division Three team there is going to be a big difference.”

Pembroke, he said, didn’t decide to take action until one of their players was watching Cardiff RFC playing against fellow Principalty Premiership outfit RGC 1404 on television a couple of days later.

“Our player spotted one of the college team which had beaten us playing for Cardiff RFC, so we decided to bring it to the attention of the WRU,” said Davies.

“If Cardiff University had played the boys we were told turned out for them in earlier rounds of the competition we would not have complained.

“The WRU initially ruled in favour of the college, but we appealed it. We believe we were right to do so and have safeguarded the future for clubs competing in these cup competitions.

“Our action has ensured there will be a level playing field in future seasons and we think that’s a good thing for everybody.”

Pembroke learned of their successful appeal last weekend and mobilised their support with plans in place to bring seven or eight bus-loads of supporters to the Principality Stadium for Sunday’s National Finals Day.

“It would mean so much for the boys to be in the final.

“We deserve to be in it after playing some hard rugby matches and abiding by the rules. If we go on to win it, it will be great.”