Pro Rugby Wales will now replace RRW as the name of the organisation that leads Welsh regional rugby’s interests inside and outside Wales as a clear reflection of its future vision and strategy.
Having signed the Rugby Services Agreement (RSA) with the WRU at the end of August and with a new European tournament structure underway, Pro Rugby Wales is setting out a clear statement of strategy and intent on behalf of the four Regions to deliver sustainable and competitive professional rugby in Wales.
Chief Executive of the new Pro Rugby Wales Mark Davies said: “The new Rugby Services agreement and the European Competition structure combine to provide all four Regions with a more stable commercial platform. The additional funding streams now in place will help us to focus responsibly and intelligently in building strength in depth in our squads and further improve our development and retention of Welsh talent.
“But whilst we have taken some of the immediate pressure off our businesses, in professional sport it is impossible to stand still as our competition moves on and develops very quickly. It is essential that we work together and push hard to develop revenue and reduce costs across all four businesses.
“Practically, though contractually we are defined as Regions, to our supporters and sponsors we are their clubs, to our coaches and players the jersey they commit to every week. In fact, what we actually represent is the professional game in Wales – the four Welsh professional squads who play in the Pro12 league.
“So Pro Rugby Wales simply describes what we are and what we do. For any potential commercial partner, that’s a clear position to understand.”
