Pritchard, a former Abergele back row, played a key role in establishing RGC, as a volunteer director of the side in the early years of its journey, and was later a key partner of RGC and the Welsh Rugby Union as Conwy Council senior events officer before moving to Motorsports UK, where he looked after the commercial and customer experience at Wales Rally GB and British Rally Championship. His role will be wide-ranging, responsible for both the community and performance pathways in North Wales and working with key partners such as Conwy Council to ensure a quality experience for players, staff and supporters at Stadiwm Zipworld.
He said, “It’s great to be back involved with rugby in North Wales. I hope I can all bring my experience, local knowledge, energy and good relationships with key stakeholders to this exciting new role. One of my main aims initially is to build on established partnerships, such as with Conwy Council, educational establishments and commercial partners, and forge new ones to grow rugby throughout North Wales at all levels.”
Alun is already getting stuck into the role. “Another priority right now is to ensure we have a squad of players and staffing structure in place to help co-ordinate objectives throughout the region. That goes across the community game too – we are putting foundations in place, along with the rest of the WRU community team, to help increase the number of players, coaches and volunteers across the whole of the Region and support them to reach their full potential, be that in the community game or through the successful WRU North Wales academy. Moving forward, there is also a desire for RGC to be competitive in the Premiership and Cup, fighting at the top end as soon as possible. First we need to re-establish RGC following COVID restrictions and ultimately we want to realise the dream to become a professional region.”
WRU Community Director Geraint John welcomed the appointment. “The North Wales Development Region remains a priority for us as a Union and we are delighted that someone with the rugby and commercial experience and key relationships as Alun Pritchard has been appointed to lead the Region back to full activity following the pandemic and take the whole Region to the next level on and off the field. We look forward to building on strong partnerships with Conwy Council, staff and volunteers in the Region to create a unique model for developing rugby opportunities and nurturing talent at every level.”
Hywel Roberts, WRU Board member for North Wales added:
“I would like to congratulate Alun on his appointment to this key position. This demonstrates our Union’s continued commitment to our Development Region. In addition to his local knowledge including his previous association with RGC in its formative years he brings a wealth of experience and energy to the role. Alun and his staff/team will be well placed to develop our game, both men and women at all levels throughout our Region.”
