THANKS to the comprehensive coverage in this newspaper, I’m sure most Argus readers are well versed in the various twists and turns that have characterised Pontypool RFC’s recent legal battle with the Welsh Rugby Union, as they fought tooth and nail to defend their precious Premiership status.

News that the High Court challenge had failed was devastating – particularly when the judge appeared to back so many of the arguments presented by the club in court.

As the dust settles, the club and its many friends and supporters are facing up to the fact that they will be playing in the Championship next season, and have now been landed with a sixfigure legal bill because the WRU refused mediation and arbitration.

It’s well known that I’ve been working closely with the club since this situation first emerged over a year ago, and as the local AM I suppose it’s not surprising that I’ve been so candid in criticising the disgraceful way in which I feel the WRU has treated one of its founding members.

But the fact that legends like Graham Price, Eddie Butler, and Bobby Windsor chose to speak out in such strong terms was really significant.

Yes, of course, they are Pooler men through and through – but as such huge figures in the wider Welsh rugby community, they wouldn’t have slammed the union in the way that they did unless they truly believed Pontypool were being treated shabbily.

In a highly unusual development, last week members of Torfaen Council , from all parties and none, came together and unanimously agreed to write to the WRU, requesting an open statement on the full wording of the recent High Court judgment.

They are right to demand answers, transparency and fairness from the union as we move forward.

It’s also significant that the Assembly’s sports minister has publically urged the WRU to recognise the proud tradition of the club, and to take the interest of the club’s players and supporters into account in any future dealings with them.

After all, it’s the uniquely passionate and dedicated fans of Pontypool that make the club so special: the supporters who turn out week after week and stand on the terraces at Pontypool Park, come wind, rain or shine; who pledged their hard-earned cash towards Pontypool’s fighting fund; and who will stay loyal to the club they love, no matter what the future holds.