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WRU unveils Welsh language policy

WRU unveils Welsh language policy

The WRU has adopted an official Welsh Language Policy which will help enshrine the use of the language in rugby -both on and off the field.

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The policy will ensure the language is considered across the business and rugby operations and wherever the game is played by WRU teams.

To coincide with the adoption of the policy the WRU has unveiled a new bi-lingual website which will regularly be uploaded with rugby news from Wales.

The website can be opened through a Welsh option button (CYM) on the main home page of the existing website.

The new policy is also published on the WRU website and printed copies of the document are being sent to all staff and stakeholders.

The policy has been approved by the WRU Board and was devised after consultation with the Welsh Language Commissioner for guidance on content.

Within the policy, protocols are outlined for the use of Welsh throughout the remit of the governing body, which includes the Millennium Stadium.

The policy covers areas such as website use, publications, social media, telephone protocols and public speaking.

WRU staff will monitor the use and development of the policy which will evolve to reflect the growth of rugby in future.

The WRU will also continue to liaise with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office to seek advice on implementing the policy.

WRU Group CEO, Roger Lewis, said: “I am delighted the Welsh Rugby Union has published an official policy which reflects our duty of care for the use of the Welsh language across the national sport of Wales.

“We represent the national sport of Wales and it is right and proper that we champion and facilitate the use of Welsh both within the WRU and through the people we engage with.

“We already carry out a great deal of work through the medium of Welsh and this policy document is an accurate reflection of our commitment to the language.”

The Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, added: “Welsh is a living language and the WRU is proud to acknowledge its importance through the adoption of this new policy.

“I hope this move will show the way for other organisations who want to follow our example and proclaim their support for Welsh in this way.

“We know how hard the Welsh Government works to promote the use of the language and we are delighted to align our own policies to that strategy.

“Of course many people will continue to engage with us in the English language but we must reflect the needs of Welsh speakers who want to use Welsh throughout their daily lives.

“We are also extremely grateful to S4C for the help they are giving us in achieving our ambitions with the website content.”

The WRU and S4C have forged a partnership within which the Union allows the broadcaster access to Welsh language video content which can then be utilised by both organisations.

This enables the WRU to guarantee a flow of Welsh language content across its web output.

The WRU already boasts a wide use of the Welsh language through areas such as its publications, coaching, match official and skills training courses, publications, media engagement and signage.

The WRU offers facilities for media interviews to be carried out through the medium of Welsh around the world where Wales teams play.

 

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Official Broadcast Partners
BBC Cymru/Wales
S4C
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