I write with a sense of great hope for the future of our national game in 2016 and beyond and in gratitude for the continued support of fans, clubs, players, volunteers and all who have invested their time, energy and passion into Welsh rugby over the last year.
We have seen some significant changes at WRU headquarters during my first 12 months in office as chairman and there is no doubt we are strengthened as a result.
The new WRU Group chief executive, Martyn Phillips, began his work in earnest in the Autumn and, already, he has presented his purpose, vision and strategy for the future to the WRU Board.
The work he has carried out so far, alongside the approach and detailed research he has undertaken to reach his conclusions, has been impressive.
Martyn has now been given the green light at Board level to implement his plans and I know he will be on the road once again in the New Year to ensure members are fully up to speed with his vision for the way ahead.
Elsewhere on the WRU Board we have welcomed two new non-elected members in Aileen Richards and Tim Griffin and four elected members, Gwyn Bowden, Robert Butcher, Ian Jeffery and Phil Thomas, as well as making changes to a variety of areas of responsibility.
On the pitch we are all immensely proud of our national players and commend them, alongside Warren Gatland and his backroom team, who left no stone unturned in their preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
We are privileged to have a special group of people there who are magnificent role models and ambassadors for our national game and we are all looking forward to watching their challenge on the 2016 RBS 6 Nations title, when they will undoubtedly be amongst the favourites to lift the trophy.
It is poignant for me and a compliment to the management team that, on reflection of the level of adversity thrown at Wales during the RWC – in terms of injuries to key players – not once do I recall a defeatist sentiment or excuse being uttered.
There are players coming through too and, though this is only an anecdotal measure, it will be interesting to every Welsh rugby household to note that we beat our more heavily resourced friends from over the bridge at every elite level last season – U20s, U18s, Womens and, of course, that victory at Twickenham in the RWC pool stages is unforgettable to all who saw it.
In the regional game we have already sold in excess of 20,000 tickets for the Judgement Day IV Pro12 double-header, to be played at Principality Stadium on 30th April and are making plans to achieve a first sell-out for the back-to-back Blues v Ospreys and Dragons v Scarlets matches on the back of bumper crowd figures expected at this year’s regional Christmas derby games.
The game at this level is also beginning to take on a new shape with 17 National Dual Contract players now on the books – and that includes the first player (Dan Biggar – pictured) to re-sign an NDC, showing that the system is here to stay and in working order.
We see NDCs as a vital tool in the armoury for persuading the best Welsh players to play their rugby in Wales, something which we strongly believe is in the best interests of our national game.
Also, when used correctly, the NDC system will help us control wage inflation in the game and this is something we will continue to work hard on over the coming months and beyond.
In the community game participation levels are rising thanks to the school club hub initiative, but we know there is still more hard work to do and the announcement of two new rugby roles on the WRU Executive Board will help to continue that process.
Our new head of rugby participation will, perhaps most importantly, provide a direct voice for the community game at executive level when he or she is appointed in the New Year.
Finally, there are some fabulous examples of clubs who are leading the way in terms of the facilities they provide for their local communities and the opportunities they offer for rugby to play a role in family life.
So, to our member clubs in particular, please keep up the good work and know that you are not only appreciated but that we are also continually seeking new ways to both reward and support the vital work that you do in safeguarding the future of our game.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Yours in rugby,
Gareth Davies
