PONTYPOOL RFC have announced to supporters that they will be leaving their spiritual home.

The rugby club will say goodbye to Pontypool Park after 73 years of great rugby memories.

After the decision was explained to around 200 emotional supporters at an emergency meeting last night (Tuesday, July 17), time was set aside for a question and answer session.

Here are some of the questions asked by Pooler fans, along with chief executive Ben Jeffreys’ answers:

Question:

With all the will in the world, finding a ground and moving takes a long time. How are we going to protect our A licence standing in the meantime?

Answer:

As far as we are aware, large parts of the A licence criteria are going to be relaxed. So we are not concerned on that front. We still don’t have much information from the WRU, but I’m not to concerned that it pose too many challenges.

Question:

Is there a representative from Torfaen Council here?

Answer:

No, no tonight. What I would say is that the council leader, Anthony Hunt, in particular has been very supportive and we continue to be in civil discussions. But no, there is nobody here tonight.

Question:

Have the club taken any advice from the WRU in terms of finding a new location?

Answer:

No. Not from the WRU. We know the requirements for a new ground, and we will be basing our search for a ground around that knowledge.

We are fairly confident that we can overcome this challenge. When we have got to that stage, we will meet with the WRU and share our plans to make sure they are happy.

Without their support we are in trouble.

Question:

Is it true that you refused to reply to emails from Torfaen Council, and that you told them you would only speak to them through your solicitor?

Answer:

I informed them personally of that. This has become a legal process. When you get to this point it makes sense to go through the solicitors to make sure no red lines get crossed.

Question:

What is the time scale for moving grounds?

Answer:

It will take at least 12 months I think, but really we want to press on. We definitely will be at Pontypool Park this season.

Question:

I love Pontypool Park. I’m proud of it. It is one of the reasons I chose to live in Pontypool than than anywhere else in the world.

But I got to watch the rugby, not to look at the trees and the bushes. Half of the games in a season don’t get played at Pontypool Park.

The team has my support. I don’t care where they play. As long as it’s not in Newport.

Answer:

Even I will applaud that. I appreciate your support and I take that applause for unanimous support for what we’ve decided.

I can’t tell you how much that means to me. It has been a gut wrenching decision, and we were very nervous about how you would respond to it. It is good to know we have your support. Thank you.