Mark Jones believes the looming EGM could be decisive in saving the Ospreys’ future
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones believes an extraordinary general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union could pave the way for a change in leadership — and potentially a new plan for the professional game.
The Central Glamorgan Rugby Union have formally called an EGM which will take place after the Six Nations, with WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood facing a vote of no confidence.
Collier-Keywood is coming under fire for plans to cut one of Wales’ four professional clubs, with the Ospreys in the firing line if their owners Y11 Sports & Media complete a deal to buy Cardiff Rugby, according to Swansea Council who have began legal proceedings against the WRU.
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The WRU board voted unanimously in favour of a cut to three teams but Jones hopes removing Collier-Keywood could alter the direction of travel.
“I think it’s just the EGM on the horizon post Six Nations,” Jones told Premier Sports.
“Anything can happen when that happens. As you know when you change things at the top which can potentially happen in an EGM.
“The change of direction is steered by the person at the top. It’s like a head coach of a team.
“If you bring a new head coach in he has a different idea of how he wants the team to play.
“I think there’s a lot to go on. There’s a lot of people to have their say and there’s a lot of discussion to be had.
“What I’ve said to the players is we can’t control any of it so let’s just let it play out and do what we do which is focus on the rugby.”
The Ospreys were outstanding as they claimed a stunning 21-10 victory over Ulster at the Brewery Field.
And Jones praised the character of his players who have performed extremely well in difficult circumstances.
“Character comes out in adversity doesn’t it,” Jones told Premier Sports.
“Usually adversity is the one that either brings you together or separates you. This group are tight anyway but I do think it has brought them together.
“I think the crowd today their contribution and the pressure they are putting on opposition lineouts. It has brought them into the game more as well what’s going on and the players have responded in the right way.
“We are proud to represent them as well as ourselves.
“The boys are handling it really well but we’ve got six games to go so we’ve got a little bit to do yet.”