Sardis Road to host regional reform rally

THIS Saturday will not only be a big day at Sardis Road on the pitch but off it too.

Pontypridd host rivals Neath at 2.30pm in a key Premiership clash for both sides before a rally is held at the ground in support of a reform of regional rugby in Wales.

MP Owen Smith has been at the centre of the campaign to bring the professional game back to the valleys and he will lead the event which will also include speeches by a number of voices supporting the movement.

The rally takes place on the Sardis Road pitch and Bob Bank terrace and the club is asking fans to stay on after the conclusion of the match to back the crusade.

Those that do stay will be the first to hear details of a document which campaign chiefs are set to submit to the WRU. The dossier puts forward the argument that supporters and grassroots clubs should inform future decisions about the structure of professional rugby, not solely the union and the regions.

Following the rally, guest speakers Tommy David, the former Pontypridd and Wales legend, and Stephen Jones, chief rugby correspondent for The Sunday Times, will address a fund and awareness-raising dinner in the club’s Grandstand Lounge.

With the event sold out, those unable to get a ticket can enjoy a celebration of valleys rugby in the main clubhouse bar.