CF10 Rugby Trust

It’s just over 30 years since Andy Moore’s drop kick sailed over the posts (perhaps the last time a Cardiff scrum half dropped a goal?) to seal victory over Leinster at Lansdowne Road in December 1995.

It was the first ever European cup semi final match.

Cardiff then progressed to the final next door at the old national stadium against Toulouse. Over the next few years, featuring in the European knockouts became an expectation for the club, but with the cup itself always just out of reach.

Leinster of course broke their own European duck some time ago. Had that infamous penalty shootout against Leicester turned out differently, it would have been a Cardiff vs Leinster final at Murrayfield in 2009, with both teams seeking to win their first European title.

In the event, their 16-19 defeat of Leicester brought Leinster their first title and it’s safe to say they’ve progressed well since then.

It’s worth thinking on how and why the fortunes of the Irish and Welsh capital city sides have diverged over the years.

The investments made in infrastructure and their academy system have clearly been significant factors in Leinster’s success. But they have also had the benefit of not operating in the dysfunctional, toxic environment Welsh professional rugby has found itself in over the past 15 years. 

There’s no doubt that successive WRU regimes have created chaos off the field. As a Trust we have certainly not agreed with all current developments off the field. But in defence of the present regime, they face the task of undoing damage done by their less than stellar predecessors: Roger Lewis and Steve Phillips.

At time of writing, there continues to be a lack of clarity over where things are heading. Amongst the vitriol now endemic on social media, we’d all do well to remember that ultimately, hundreds of men and women make their living in Welsh rugby.

Not only players and coaches but numerous off field staff. Once again, Welsh rugby has cast doubt over their livelihoods. It’s to be hoped that, as a minimum, all get clarity over their futures sooner rather than later.

Please do become a member and get behind us and your club. You can do so here – https://cf10rugbytrust.org/join-us/ – for only one pound! Get your supporter friends to do so as well!!