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Page 1 of 2 "Regional rugby has been a disaster. Even Jesus Christ would find it hard to generate money for the regions." The Words, not of a disgruntled fan, but Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell
DRAGONS chairman Martyn Hazell last night launched a stunning tirade at regional rugby, claiming: "Even Jesus Christ would struggle to make money from the current set-up." Hazell, who is currently in the process of appointing a new chief executive for the Dragons, believes whoever gets the job has an uphill task because of a serious dearth of sponsorship for the game. The pursuit of a new CEO at Rodney Parade marks a U-turn from the Dragons' previous policy of making do without filling a post left vacant following Andy Marinos' decision to quit last summer. The Dragons had hoped to get by with Gethin Jenkins running the commercial department while Jim McCreedy dealt with rugby matters - but now Hazell and Co have bitten the bullet. He said: "The WRU are saying we're not doing enough on the commercial side but I don't think companies want to buy into regional rugby. "Regional rugby has been a disaster. "Even Jesus Christ would find it hard to generate money for the regions. We thought we could run without a chief executive. "But the WRU are 50 percent share-holders of our region and Steve Lewis keeps whining on about us not having a chief executive to attend meetings and represent the region. But it's not just pressure from the WRU, it's a monetary thing. "We've got to get some sponsorship but there's not a lot around. "We keep having our noses rubbed in it that the Ospreys have this and Llanelli have got that - but I don't think they have." The Dragons are looking to recruit someone who will address the challenges of regional rugby in Gwent. An advert running in a national newspapers states the successful candidate to succeed Marinos will be a 'dynamic and strategic thinker with an innovative creative approach to problem solving.' Hazell added: "We want someone to run the whole show on a day-to-day basis. "We're not getting enough sponsorship and it's taking more of my and the other directors' time. "We need a chief exec. to make decisions, who won't be ringing me asking 'what should we do about this?" Hazell claims the Dragons have had 'dozens' of CVs for the job.' Meanwhile Hazell has refuted suggestions that the cash-strapped Dragons went cap in hand to former benefactor Tony Brown looking for extra cash. Hazell revealed: "I do speak to Tony regularly but he doesn't want anything to do with board meetings, decisions or money "He's adamant that he doesn't want any more to do with Welsh rugby." Peter Shuttleworth, Wales on Sunday
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