Sixty-eight Welsh rugby clubs have signed up for the recruitment weekend on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January, which was introduced to encourage involvement in the community game following the huge interest generated by Wales’ World Cup performances.
Aberystwyth, Blackwood, Canton and Waunarlwydd rugby clubs are among the registered venues that will open on Saturday or Sunday morning to welcome prospective players, volunteers, coaches, match officials, first aiders and administrators to the game.
After receiving the WRU’s official event pack which includes flyers, posters, giveaways and recruitment cards this week, Waunarlwydd RFC volunteer, Jason Tanner, is looking forward to the upcoming events.
“Join the Beat is an exciting initiative which reaches out to those in the community who have not yet had the opportunity to join the fantastic rugby club atmosphere that our seasoned club members enjoy week in week out,” said Mr Tanner.
“Waunarlwydd RFC runs thirteen teams, through Under 7s to our first team in the SWALEC League Division One West, and without the input and enthusiasm of our volunteers, this simply would not be possible.
“While we have been actively looking to recruit young players between the ages of six and nine, I hope this initiative captures the imagination of the whole community and that we’re able to sign up everyone from new players, volunteers and supporters this weekend.”
In clubs all over Wales, experienced club members will be available to give advice and answer questions about how to become an active participant in the game.
WRU Club Development Officer Nicola Smith said: “The response from the clubs has been fantastic and everyone that I’ve spoken to at the participating venues are really getting behind the opportunity to recruit new participants at the ‘Join the Beat’ events around Wales.
“With greater participation our community clubs can thrive to become the hub of the communities they represent and everyone involved in Join the Beat is enthusiastic ahead of this weekend.”
Anyone wanting to get fit, make new friends and give a little back within their community, can ‘Join the Beat’ this week at any of the clubs below.
Saturday 28 January: Dolgellau, Tonna, Crymych, Heol-Y-Cyw, Waunarlwydd, Pwllheli, Ystradgynlais, Tylorstown, Cardigan, Penclawdd, Cefn Coed, Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy, Porth, Hafodyrynys.
Sunday 29 January: Ammanford, New Tredegar, Colwyn Bay, Aberystwyth, Blackwood, Caernarfon, Bryncoch, Pontarddulais, Ebbw Vale, Gilfach Goch, Penygroes, Skewen, Canton, Machen, Whitland, Haverfordwest, Narberth, Maesteg Welsh JRFC, Abercwmboi, Pembroke Dock Harlequins, Brecon, Newcastle Emlyn, Neath Athletic, Llanelli Wanderers RFC, Llanhilleth RFC, Llantwit Fardre RDC, Crickhowell Junior RFC, St Clears RFC, Cardiff Harlequins, Pentyrch, Tref-y-Clawdd, Aberdare, Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd, Dunvant, Clwb Rygbi Aberaeron, Llanharen, Cwmavon, Ynysybwl, Gwernyfed, Bynea, Nelson, Burry Port, Tumble, Bedlinog, Pencoed, Abercynon, Barry, Risca, Tenby, Llandaff North, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Bargoed, Pembroke.
