The results of a national survey into Welsh Rugby perceptions have been published. The Western Mail carries the story in a thinly veiled explanation that Regional Rugby has been very good for the National Team, but I think they have missed the point.

Undeniably, there has been an attitude switch in Wales in favour of supporting the national team, with the lack of local rivalry and inter-region animosity begin cited. But this is simple mathematics. There are fewer professional teams, and as such, the phrase “local” has a lesser importance.

The rivalry between Pontypridd and Cardiff is legendary. The distance between the towns is a matter of miles, and there is a real local bias between the two for many reasons including which side of the M4 you’re form to that fact that there are more Mexican restaurants – you name it and local’s can get upset about it.

Speaking from personal experience, I cannot identify with the Blues as “my team”. Pontypridd are, and Pontypridd don’t play professional rugby. We can point the finger and get upset…but there still is no pro team for me. It is natural that my enthusiasm gravitates up a notch to the national team.

I don’t think we are comparing like for like here as the landscape of Welsh rugby has changed hugely. Those who have a love for the old club setup who don’t see “their” team in the regions just will not factor that in when considering their club affiliations. When I completed this questionnaire, I noted that I did not support a regional team. My pecking order went 1) Pontypridd, 2) Wales and that was it. I think that I can probably speak for more than a couple of other Sardis Road faithful in that assessment.

So where has this storm really come from then? Hmmmm….nothing to do with the Celtic Crusaders then? A fifth region was not on the cards until the Super League pulled a fast one and shocked the Rugby League fraternity. And why not? There is a gaping hole in the Welsh professional support of rugby since the Warriors were axed and a ripe supporter base for the taking. Certainly, I have even thought about nipping down to partake in Valley’s Pro rugby at the Brewery field myself.

But this all doesn’t change anything. If there was the money there, anyone could set up another region. For that matter, the Warriors could have been kept going but for one reason; the region was unsustainable. It is the case then and why should it change now? Gwent dragons are on their last legs, more money is being piled into both Cardiff and Llanelli (the latter will be a casualty before the end of the decade IMHO). It only seems that the bottomless pit of cash that Cuddy and Co. plough into the Ospreys means that they are the sure-fire bankable bet on success in the professional Welsh Rugby era.

If the WRU are happy to keep failing clubs afloat, then fine, but it may not always be the case. Professional clubs need to have the ability to bank their gate takings to keep the business going if times get tough. You cannot rely on payouts from silverware glory, and it seems that too many professional sports teams do. The biggest issue that faces the current four regions is that they cannot pack out their respective grounds as it stands. Every regional match I watch has empty seats in the stands, and the only ones that come close are games involving foreign teams with large followings to make up the numbers.

I just don’t see how the current regional structure is sustainable if the money dries up.