By Lestyn
November 25 2003

Some good news for the Gwent region at last. A deal between Newport and the WRU has saved the region from liquidation. The union will own 50% of the newly formed company Dragons Rugby limited. Percy Montgomery has also committed his future to Ruddock's team.

For the full press release click here

Hopefully this will see the end of what has really been a complete farce. I can see Brown coming aboard pleasing the Newport supporters who haven't turned up, however it will take a lot of convincing to get those from outside the town turning up.

Dropping both "Newport" and "Gwent" from the name is the common sense thing to do in trying not alienate any potential supporters, although judging by the response so far from Newport supporters, the majority may just stick to their semi pro side anyway. The Ospreys will also be removing the Neath-Swansea bit for next season

Over the last few months I really been quite scathing of 'port's actions, but Tony Brown appears to have the right motivations.

And with the Scarlets including a young prop Marc O'Kelly from the Camarthen Quins in their Heineken cup squad, I feel more optimistic than I have done about the regions for a while.

Most of the breaking news and comment is posted on the forum