Message from Geraint Hawkes

2nd June 2008

Dear supporters and friends

I have no doubt many of you will have read the negative comments written in certain publications about the continued success of Neath Rugby. I think it is only fair that I pass on my thoughts about these comments to you our valuable sponsors and supporters.

There have been many reasons given for Neath's success in the premiership. The first two season's success was put down to an ageing squad? Then it was attributed to the over use of regional players and now the topic of the day is overpaying of players and buying success?

Firstly I want to say that the so called ageing squad during 2003-2005 produced four players who in fact gained international honours at senior level at that time and with the call up of Andrew Bishop ahead of Saturdays' Welsh international against the Springboks this makes it five players in five years.

Let's not forget we are a club and not a region and have also brought on a dozen or so players who have represented Wales at under 19s, 20 and 21 level. During this time period the average age of the squad was 24 and for many games the average age of the 15 players was 20.

As for the over use of regional players I remember the number of times that Neath had the use of regional players during that time and it could be counted on one hand. Leigh Davies I recall played for us against Pontypridd during the January of year three and although there may have been other instances with other players they were few and far between.

Now we get to the issue of overpaying players...

If a player decides to leave a club that he has played for through his youth and been part of for some time and move to another club 30 miles down the road and that club happens to be Neath then it is perceived that its down purely to the financial package which is on offer.

It has nothing at all to do with the fact that Neath are successful and are winners. It has nothing at all to do with the fact that Neath have developed more players for both regional rugby and international rugby than any other club and players feel that this is a genuine route to development.

It has nothing at all to do with the fact that the club has professional coaching structures.

It has nothing to do with fact that the club has fanatical support both home and away who make newcomers feel very special.

It has nothing at all to do with the fact that the Gnoll is still a special place to play.
And above all nothing at all to do with the fact that the club has ambition.

Given an option for a pre-season fixture where do you think players would prefer to play? A welsh 3rd Division side or a Bristol 15 containing 9 internationals and for a pre-season tour where do you think they would rather go?
A night out in town for player bonding or a trip to Bucharest to play a Romanian National team whose next game is New Zealand in the world cup? Answers on a post card please!

This is a message to those who constantly criticise Neath Rugby especially a certain reporter who seems hell bent on blackening this great club. I suggest you all check your facts as we all know what is really going on. I am not going to publish any player's contract as it has nothing to do with anyone else other than the player and the club. But I can safely say that Neath's squad costs are no more than many other clubs in the premiership and next season will be significantly lower than adleast 5 clubs.

I personally meet every player during negotiations and I know what packages other clubs are paying their players and believe me we can't compete nor will we consider competing with these.

Another positive thing to come out of this negative publicity directing at us by Mr Reporter is the old saying no publicity is bad publicity - so thanks!

Players from other clubs all want to beat Neath and raise their game and this is a huge compliment. Supporters who visit enjoy our match day experience and even some coaches take their hats off to what we are continuingly working to achieve. This is a great tribute and something that forward thinking people feel easier to say than others!

We are just a semi professional club trying to run in a professional way and perhaps the premiership and Welsh rugby would be a better place if other clubs took their own initiative and not just settle with their lot.

Geraint Hawkes