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91Èȱ¬ Wales' Scrum V reveals possible merger between Bridgend and
Maesteg rugby
One of Wales' most famous rugby sides Bridgend is contemplating a merger with fierce local rival Maesteg, µþµþ°äÌý°Â²¹±ô±ð²õ' Scrum V (91Èȱ¬ Two Wales, 5.30pm) rugby programme has revealed.
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The programme also suggested a new name for the club as "Braestegend".
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The two clubs, in one of Wales' rugby union heartlands, are concerned about the threat posed by rugby league side Celtic Crusaders, who begin life in the Super League in Bridgend next spring.
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Bridgend chairman Derrick King, talking on the programme, said: "We've had unofficial talks to sound out what our future holds and I think there is a willingness to form a county borough side with a new stadium."
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Maesteg president Wayne Gill told Scrum V: "Something needs to happen or rugby union will die in this area. There is no doubt about that."
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Under the plan, a new team would be formed with a new name and would take Bridgend's place in the Welsh Premiership, which would require approval from the Welsh Rugby Union.
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Derrick King confirmed on Scrum V that the possibility of a merger had been raised with the WRU.
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"The WRU seemed okay about it," he said. "It would give them a bigger club in the Premier division and I don't think we would have any problems with them."
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Scrum V's Gareth Lewis said: "Welsh rugby can ill-afford to ignore Gill's warning and allow the flow of talent from the Bridgend and Maesteg areas to dry up.
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"Bridgend have produced some of the sport's biggest names such as JPR Williams, Gareth Thomas and Robert Howley, while Gavin Henson went to school in the town."
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The club does not own its Brewery Field ground but is guaranteed to play there for the next five years under an agreement with Celtic Crusaders.
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Maesteg's best-known former players include Wales and Lions backs Allan Bateman and Gwyn Evans.
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The two clubs have been bitter local rivals for over 130 years and any merger would be sure to divide opinion amongst the clubs' supporters as well as raise questions from other clubs in the Premier division.
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Those questions will almost certainly be aired at a meeting of the Premier Clubs in Aberavon on Tuesday night. WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis will attend, with clubs concerned about plans for a fifth regional side, and what they perceive as a delay in implementing measures from last April's Premiership review.
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There is still ill-feeling in the Bridgend area over the closure of the Celtic Warriors regional side five years ago, with many fans feeling disenfranchised, despite the efforts of the Ospreys, who now have regional responsibility for Bridgend and Maesteg.
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"The Celtic Crusaders have taken advantage of the gap," said Derrick King, talking on Scrum V.
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"We now recognise that in this borough rugby union has a problem and that we have a real fight on our hands."
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The four Welsh rugby union regions have already discussed the threat posed by Super League, which has the potential to affect the Ospreys and Blues in particular, and Wayne Gill had another warning for the rest of Welsh game.
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"A lot of people have always believed that rugby league would never work in South Wales, but this is a powerful thing with a lot of money behind it. There would be a lot of face to lose if it were to go wrong, so people will make it work."
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Scrum V, 91Èȱ¬ Wales rugby magazine programme reviewing all the best of the weekend's rugby, is broadcast every Sunday evening on 91Èȱ¬ Two Wales (times vary).
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There are regular live games from the Magners League on Friday evenings in Scrum V Live on 91Èȱ¬ Two Wales and a round-up of all the latest rugby news in Scrum V Radio on 91Èȱ¬ Radio Wales every Thursday from 7.00pm.
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Rugby fans can get their daily fix of all the latest rugby news, match reports, exclusive features and competitions at the Scrum V website, bbc.co.uk/scrumv.
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On the site you can plan your rugby season with a comprehensive fixture list, find out all about the best rugby songs, and also join in debates on the 606 message board.
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91Èȱ¬ Wales Press Office
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