The four-year agreement will see SWALEC invest significantly to support community rugby in Wales and continue as the National Leagues and Cup Sponsor.
SWALEC became National Community Partner of the WRU in 2008, which saw them become National Sponsor of both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competition.
The sponsorship enabled the traditional cup format to be transformed into a three-tier competition which has now run for three seasons. As a result of this transformation 10 teams and their supporters have had the opportunity to watch and play rugby at the iconic Millennium Stadium.
The sponsorship has also allowed over 6,000 players to compete weekly as part of the SWALEC Leagues and given eight junior rugby teams the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train under the national team’s coaching staff at the WRU’s National Centre of Excellence.
The partnership between SWALEC and the WRU has been a great success and the renewal agreement is testament to the strong relationship that has been established between the two organisations.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “SWALEC has a rich history of supporting the Welsh Rugby Union and so we are delighted that they have decided to continue their partnership for another four years. Grassroots rugby is the heart and soul of our game. That such a leading energy provider as SWALEC recognise this importance and endorse everything that is done by our clubs is testimony to this outstanding relationship.”
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon added: “A thriving competitive structure is vital for any sport and we are grateful to SWALEC for supporting both the National Leagues and the three tier cup competition. The National Leagues are the lifeblood of club rugby in Wales and the SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl provide an opportunity for clubs at every level to strive to reach the showpiece finals day at the Millennium Stadium, a memory that all the finalists have cherished since its inception three seasons ago.”
Stephen Forbes, Director of Sales, Marketing and Energy Services for SWALEC said: “At SWALEC, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we serve and this sponsorship is demonstrative of this.
“With our renewed partnership of Welsh rugby, we want to build on the positive legacy our investment has achieved and continue to invest in initiatives that will benefit rugby communities all over Wales, as well as rewarding our loyal customers and staff with lots of related benefits. We’re excited about our forthcoming plans and look forward to continuing to work with the WRU to improve the community game at a grass roots level.”
