The WRU has announced significant changes to club funding in Wales, aiming to enhance community rugby and support local clubs.
Cardiff: The Welsh Rugby Union is shaking things up with a new funding model for community clubs. They want to make sure clubs are set up for success in the future.
Geraint John, the community game director, and Angharad Collins, head of places, are hitting the road to explain these changes. Right now, there’s £11.8 million set aside for community rugby, plus an extra £2 million from outside sources.
While the total funding won’t change, how it’s shared among clubs will. Clubs will need to meet certain criteria to access different funding levels. There are two options on the table, but the preferred one splits funding into off-field and on-field categories.
The more a club aligns with WRU’s vision, the more funding it can snag. They’re also rolling out a club accreditation scheme to reward best practices in areas like facilities and governance.
Clubs can aim for different ratings—standard, silver, gold, or platinum—and the higher they go, the more cash they’ll get. Plus, this setup ensures no club can use WRU funds to pay players.
The on-field funding will still reward participation, while the off-field model will be based on a two- to three-year accreditation plan. Currently, clubs must sign a statement of integrity about not paying players, which costs the WRU £990,000. If the new plan goes through, that money will go into the accreditation scheme instead.
John is optimistic that this new approach will help clubs draw in more players, fans, and volunteers. He believes it’s the best way forward after listening to feedback from clubs.
He emphasized that clubs are vital to their communities and need to be ready to serve them better. There’s a lot to consider in today’s sports world, from safeguarding to gender balance on committees.
John also pointed out the importance of recruiting and keeping young players. If clubs want a strong senior game, they need a solid pipeline of talent coming through.
He reassured everyone that core funding won’t be cut. Instead, they’re looking to position the game for more financial support from various sources.
They’re aiming for a strong partnership with clubs, showcasing Welsh rugby as a positive force. The WRU is committed to doing what’s best for everyone involved in the sport.
After gathering feedback, the favored proposal will be shared with clubs at district meetings, starting with District B in Cardiff. The goal is for nearly all clubs to have development plans and focus on equality and inclusion.
If everything goes smoothly, these changes will kick in next year, setting the stage for a brighter future for Welsh rugby.
