The decision is part of a review of the North Wales development project undertaken in order to ensure there is a sustainable model for the further development of rugby in North Wales.
The side will continue to play meaningful friendly fixtures this coming season, including matches against Principality Premiership clubs and other arranged fixtures.
As part of the further development of North Wales players, the following measures have been agreed:
* The WRU North Wales Academy will continue to be appropriately resourced and two more District Under 15 squads from the region will be established, and will compete in the Dewar Shield tournament. This will increase the critical mass of players in North Wales vying for selection into the WRU North Wales academy. North Wales will continue to participate in the Regional Age Grade Championship at Under 16 and Under 18 level and further fixtures will be arranged for North Wales academy players.
* A General Manager for the RGC 1404 project will be appointed to drive the project forward and maximise commercial opportunities available within North Wales and provide a key link between the major stakeholders – the WRU, the North Wales Rugby Council and Conwy County Borough Council.
* There will be no Canadian involvement in the side for the forthcoming season. This situation will be reviewed during the coming season.
* The Welsh Rugby Union will provide further support to Conwy County Borough Council in the staging of events and the generation of rugby in the area.
* The fixed term contracts of the RGC 1404 coaching team have come to an end and an announcement will be made over the coming months regarding appointments for the new season.
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon said, “Great strides have already been made in North Wales rugby in the past two seasons, both on and off the field and we are constantly looking for ways to embrace the enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone involved in the game there.
“We know that the standard of rugby has risen in North Wales in recent years but we are conscious that the side now needs to test itself in a competition structure in order to be judged on merit against other sides hoping to progress up the rugby ladder in Wales.
Dai Davies, North Wales Rugby Council Chairman said, “The North Wales Rugby Council, in conjunction with the WRU Executive believe the decision to include RGC 1404 in SWALEC Division One East for season 2012/13 will provide a new impetus for North Wales rugby, and a channel for players coming through the WRU North Wales Academy.”
Cllr Graham Rees, Cabinet Member, Conwy County Borough Council said, “We’ve been looking forward to hearing this news, it’s an exciting opportunity for the region’s players and I hope it will help to retain these talented young people in North Wales.
“The Council is committed to working with the WRU and other national governing bodies of sport in Wales to create a centre of sporting excellence at Parc Eirias and making sure that the regeneration and economic opportunities that arise benefit the whole region.”
