Carmarthenshire Rugby Club at risk of closure after 52 years

Evans believes the WRU needs to do more, stressing that grassroots clubs represent the future of the national team.

“It’s important because that’s where all the rugby players come from. All the international and the regional players – they’ve come from grassroot rugby clubs such as Llanybydder.”

“Although they say that they support us, we’re not their priority at all,” asserts the club manager. “Which is a big shame.”

“I can only speak for my time as a team manager, but I’ve not had any correspondence from anyone from the WRU” said Evans, who has been in the role for two years.

She says she keeps them informed of fixtures and so on, but claims no one has picked up the phone to ask “what is it that we can do together – and find avenues to keep the club going”.

“I understand the WRU are not there to find us players – that is our responsibility as clubs. But to guide us, and advise us, and support us – that is what we’re asking for.”

Evans claims clubs are more likely to be penalised than supported.

She pointed out how there were “many walkovers” in the Cup games “us included, because we couldn’t field a team” which led to a £250 fine.

“I do understand the WRU are in financial difficulty themselves, but I don’t think it’s fair to put that back on grassroot clubs.”

“A season or so ago, we couldn’t fulfil one fixture out of all the games, and we lost our grant of £4,000. That’s quite a lot of money that could help further develop our team.”

In a statement, the WRU said: “We employ a network of club development officers across Wales who reach out to every club during the course of a season offering help and support.

“This particular club has been offered this help on two recent occasions.

“Fines for clubs who do not complete fixtures are used as a last resort when attempts to rearrange fixtures have failed, as incentive for clubs to fulfill them. They are welcomed by the majority of clubs throughout the amateur game for this reason.”

Llanybydder Rugby Club is now appealing for ideas and support from the public, in an effort to save their historic club.

“The response we’ve had from our social media [post] is overwhelming to be honest,” ,” said Evans. “We’ve had lots of enquiries from players.”

“Hopefully this is us turning the corner and getting the momentum to build the rugby club back up again.”