Celtic Warriors

The Celtic Warriors (Welsh: Rhyfelwyr Celtaidd ) was a professional rugby union team from Wales. She played in 2003/ 04 during a season in the Celtic League and was then dissolved. The home games were played at the Brewery Field Stadium in Bridgend and Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

History

Until the 2003/04 season the Welsh Rugby was divided in a typical pyramid leagues, with nine professional clubs in the top league. Thus, the system was similar to the Guinness Premiership in England and the Top 14 in France. However, the Welsh market proved to be too small for nine professional teams. Then began the nine professional clubs to join together in regional teams. In the case of the Celtic Warriors, these were the Bridgend RFC and Pontypridd RFC. Due to the performance of the two clubs in the previous season, the Warriors were considered the strongest of the newly formed teams.

From the start, the Warriors but had to contend with problems. First, there was disagreement over the name, jersey colors and the home stadium of the team. The name " Valley Ravens" seemed to be a good compromise, as Bridgend's nickname Ravens ( Ravens ) and was Pontypridd, South Wales in one of the valleys ( valley ) is located. The Welsh Rugby Union ( WRU ) preferred Celtic Crusaders, which was well received by fans rejection. Finally, the choice fell on Celtic Warriors.

However, the Pontypridd RFC ran into financial difficulties and was forced to sell its 50 percent stake in the Warriors at Leighton Samuel, owner of Bridgend RFC. Then Samuel decided to only discharge the home games of the Warriors in Bridgend, which he mustered more than half of the fans against him. The average viewing figures fell rapidly in the sequence. 2004 Samuel sold his shares in the WRU, which then decided to liquidate the team. Before the end of the season, which ended the Warriors in fourth place, the best players move to clubs outside Wales.

The WRU divided the Warriors franchise. A portion of the previously covered territory went to the Ospreys, the other to the Cardiff Blues. 2005 Samuel founded a new club, the Celtic Crusaders, but playing Rugby League.

Known player

Italy: Benetton Rugby Treviso | Zebre

Scotland: Edinburgh Rugby | Glasgow Warriors

Wales: Cardiff Blues | Scarlets | Newport Gwent Dragons | Ospreys

Resolved Teams: Aironi | Border Reivers | Celtic Warriors

  • Welsh rugby union team
  • Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • Bridgend
  • Established in 2003
  • Dissolved in 2004
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