News

Happy new year to you all, following the terrible storms, floods and virus glad to see the back of 2020. Let us hope that 2021 brings some normality back to our lives. Hope you all staying safe and well in these strange times. Priorities remain as always your and your family’s health and well-being.
As far as our game of rugby is concerned the community game, despite some ‘false dawns’ has been a wipe out since the start of the year - the virus / lockouts ruled Early days in 2021 but hopefully the long-awaited vaccine should have a positive impact in the next three months and could allow us the opportunity to organize some competitive cup rugby at all levels in the Spring? - the season will be extended.
Our Union’s objective from the start of this catastrophic pandemic was its determination through actions to ensure that all our clubs (300) would emerge on the other side. They have done their utmost to achieve this. Despite huge financial constraints, they have prioritized resources and remarkably been able to maintain the level funding for all clubs. They have also introduced an unprecedented regular communications program of advice, signposting, updating etc to support clubs in their challenges. So far nationally, clubs are holding their heads ‘above the water’ and this is testament to the support from WRU and their staff, BUT MORE IMPORTANT IS THE COMMITMENT OF OUR CLUB
VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERING RANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES. I take this opportunity to thank you very much for your efforts.
May I thank Alun, Dic, Stuart, Gary and Ieuan of NWRUC for their tireless support as well as Tegid and Ieu for representing us in the national Strategic Plan / Audit discussions leading to a positive outcome.
We are indebted to Marc and his staff, Josh and his team who have ensured that North Wales / RGC played their part in keeping the show on the road in these challenging times.
I have prepared the following summary bullet point review for 2020 divided into national Cardiff / North Wales issues. Marc has also provided a summary of the North Wales activities - many thanks to Marc.
Stay safe and if you want a chat, further information, please contact me.
Regards/ cofion
Hywel
PS Now an expert on Zoom - always mute (MUTE) !!
Hywel’s 2020 Review
North Wales
Marc has produced a brief of activities / achievements in 2020 in the attached appendix - I’ll highlight a couple of things that have put our region on the map.
Congratulations to our very own Rachel Taylor - Colwyn Bay / RGC - on being appointed skills coach for the Welsh women’s team. Rachel’s best wishes, she follows some famous national level coaches Gogs - (Tony Gray and Robin Mcbryde).
Huge congratulations also to Tirion Thomas (Bala) on winning the BBC Wales ‘Unsung Hero Sports Personality of the Year Award’. Tirion then went on to win the UK title which was broadcast live on the BBC’s prestigious annual sports review show. This is a great achievement. Read the full account in Marc’s report.
Other Highlights
• Great examples of clubs / staff volunteering and supporting their local communities during the pandemic.
• 3 RGC girls in National squad
• Appointment of 3 WRU apprentices in North Wales.
• Great to see former RGC1404 personnel succeeding in their new roles eg former coach Mark Jones at
Crusaders, GaZ being recruited by Salford Reds, Mark Beggs in Bath and Andy Jones in Pau. Good examples of how RGC1404 offers a ‘pathway’ for Coaches and staff.
• Despite the departure of RGC1404 coach Mat Silva, Josh and his team stepped into the gap and RGC 1404 scored more points and tries than any other team before curtailing the league.
• In our Northern Divisions, Llandudno were 13 points ahead with Ruthin in second place and were very much on track in retaining their Div 1 league title. In Div 2 it was a three-horse, six-points promotion race between Wrexham, Rhyl and Mold - I really enjoyed watching some great games in this League. In Div 3 - Rhuthun Seconds unbeaten ruled the roost, Holyhead and Mach, were in contention for the second promotion spot.
• I must acknowledge the achievement of Holyhead RFC in battling through to the semi-final of the National Bowl Comp - one game away from the Final which would have been a memorable trip to Cardiff to the Principality Stadium.!!
Snippets from Cardiff
• Union’s finances under constant review. Awaiting response from WG requesting support similar to all the other home nations who have received financial packages from their national governments.
• Changes to top management —Rob Butcher new Chair (Rob also retains Chair Community Board), Lisa Burgess Vice Chair, Steve Philips interim CEO. Rob and Steve joined us at our NWRUC on 23/11 when they reaffirmed commitment to North Wales /RGC and welsh language - (thanks to timely questions from Peredur Jenkins and Ann Hopcyn !!)
• Com Game Strat Plan signed off—Panel y Iaith and WLB will support delivery. Launch pencilled in 6/21.
Review of Autumn series with Wayne Pivac /Martyn Williams - mixed bag performance and player development. Difficult environment 785 covid tests undertaken -all negative -strict player isolation paid dividends. 6 Nations will be testing.
• Principality Stadium hospital now decommissioned -completed 12/20.
• Westgate Hotel -building work re commenced —model rooms completed - going to plan for partial opening 10/21.
• Private Equity -deal Pro 12/14 now completed . 6 Nations deal ongoing.
• Furlough scheme being utilised where relevant and subject to review. Significant number of staff remain on scheme.
• HIA issue -fast moving situation with possible ramifications for both Pro and Community game— Union liaising with other governing bodies and World Rugby.
• Autumn 21 update—due to play Australia, SA - possibly Tier 2 Fiji - exploring options including NZ/Japan.
• Elite sports status obtained for Women and U20 teams to enable participation in 6 Nations. Gilbert Balls allocation-ongoing discussions re terms/delivery.
• Digital Ticketing —Strong grounds to proceed here —Wales v Scotland cancellation showed current weakness re contact details and huge advantages of a data base. Clubs position will be protected and full roll out will be supported to ensure smooth transition.
• End of year changes to various ctees. For the record I serve on the following Boards and Ctees . WRU Ltd -Director -Main Board - (also Finance and Appointments and Remuneration Ctees.) Millennium Stadium PLC —Director - (also trustee Millennium Charitable Trust. Member of Council. Community Board, Comps, Club Dev and Budget ctees.