As Principality Stadium turns 25, our strategy reflects that without every part of Welsh society represented, given fair and equal voice and opportunities, our stadium, which represents our nation, would fall silent…

DOWNLOAD ONE WALES STRATEGY ENG

DOWNLOAD ONE WALES STRATEGY CYM

Open letter from Abi Tierney

Rugby matters more in Wales 

One of my strongly held beliefs about Welsh rugby, long before I started in the role in January 2024, had been of its unique cultural importance to the nation. It’s a conviction that has only strengthened since.

I’ve not found a single person who disagrees with this sentiment in my first six months talking to people throughout all walks of the game. One colleague said, “…it’s because rugby matters more in Wales.”

And they’re right. It does!

Rugby is not just a sport to us. It’s a cultural cornerstone impacting the social, economic, and emotional fabric of the country. The high participation rates, substantial viewership, significant economic contributions, and passionate testimonials from players, coaches, fans, and cultural figures all underscore its vital importance.

As of 2024, there are approximately 60,000 registered rugby players in Wales, significant for a country with a population of just over three million. This has grown 10% in the last year alone. We will have 335 teams playing in 36 different divisions in the community game next season, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. There are over 20,000 children participating in rugby through various youth programs and school competitions, these promote physical activity and teamwork from a young age.

During our major international matches it’s estimated two-thirds of our population watch the game on TV or through their chosen medium.

This reflects the dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable nature of Welsh rugby fans and our dedicated volunteers, who are deeply invested in all facets of the sport, past, present and future. Being CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union is an honour I take very seriously.

I come to the role at a crucial point in the history of our game and since taking on the role I have endeavoured to work with as many interested parties as possible to build a new, sustainable and ultimately successful strategic direction for rugby in Wales.

Together, we have undertaken an extensive consultation, gathering data to inform a long-term plan.

Wherever possible we have gathered evidence as input to our decisions.

We have co-created the strategy with input from the stakeholders across Rugby in Wales, including the WRU, the Regions, sponsors, partners, ex and current players and the community game itself through visits to District meetings

The strategy is thorough and comprehensive and addresses the main issues in all aspects of the game from professional to community and beyond. It has been diligently prepared, its conclusions are pervasive and it will continue to be data-led as a ‘live’ working plan, and we will not shy away from adjusting course if an element is not delivering as intended. .

As a result of the data gathered via the engagement work, it was clear the strategy needed to address the following areas as priority:

• Focused direction for our professional game. To change the fortunes of both our senior men’s and women’s sides who have under-achieved in terms of the results posted last year, and our four regional clubs who all aim to improve results in their respective competitions.  The bottom line is that the ultimate measure of progress is winning on the field.
• Reviewing and evolving the culture across rugby in Wales, from advancing the WRU’s own governance structure to promoting gender equality and inclusivity throughout our game.
• Financial plans which take account of the monetary strain facing the game globally and locally, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Make rugby a sport of choice for women and girls at all levels and accelerate development
• A thriving and sustainable community game which both grows and retain players

Fundamentally, we must act on the things within our control now and analyse and mitigate against the ones that aren’t.

‘One Wales’

The strength of the game in Wales will be in our unity and at the heart of our strategy is a commitment across all elements of the professional game to share resources and expertise, meaning we, across the regional clubs and the WRU, will collaborate much more closely on and off the pitch.

Quite simply we are ‘One Wales’, and our new vision is to unite people and inspire passion in our Welsh rugby nation.’

This vision is underpinned by a mission and commitment to ‘work together to create exceptional experiences and opportunities for everyone through our game.’

Delivering success together 

I have included a copy of the five-year strategy with this letter, linked above. Everyone committed to this strategy has full awareness that there is no short-term fix. But what we do have is a clear plan to realise our goals over the next five years.

We are committed to transparency in decision-making and we will communicate clearly with stakeholders and regularly update you on progress and challenges.

Success will require collaboration across the whole game from our schools, our clubs, our regional clubs and my team here at the WRU. If we can continue to be brave and trust each other then I’m convinced that we have the right plan to move forward together.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our game.

Abi Tierney
WRU CEO