London Welsh have not ruled out a PRO12 switch, chairman tells Sky Sports
Wednesday 16 September 2015 09:32, UK
London Welsh chairman Bleddyn Phillips told Sky Sports he would do whatever is best for the club when asked about a possible move to the PRO12.
The Exiles were relegated from the Premiership last season after failing to win a single game in the top flight, and lost to Bristol in the second round of the new Championship season.
Phillips told Sky Sports that although the season goal is to win promotion back to the Premiership, the club has not ruled out the possibility of a move to the PRO12.
"I think at the end of the day, we have a responsibility as a club and I as chairman to make sure that we do the best that we can for the club," said Phillips.
"We will do what's best for the club. Whether that's PRO12, whether that's going back into the Premiership - which we've done twice now in the last three seasons - remains to be seen.
"All I know is, we will do what we genuinely believe to be in the best interest of the club.
"The short answer is we have to win this season, and that's our primary goal just now."
Speaking on Rugby Club Wrap-up, pundit Will Greenwood was adamant Phillips would take drastic steps to improve London Welsh's ambition.
"He's a man who's not afraid to take on the powers that be in terms of the organisation," said Greenwood. "He's done it before and he will do it again.
"He's absolutely about protecting the bubble - what's best for London Welsh.
"They could really focus on long-term base and infrastructure, knowing they're going nowhere - there's no promotion and relegation in that league.
"I think one of the great cons might be; there's such a history to that club, such a fixture list of clubs in and around that area that they've grown up with.
"So you can see some arguments both ways, but he's a very, very shrewd businessman who will keep his cards very close to his chest.
"Come the final decision he will not be afraid to make a brave call to do what's best for London Welsh."
