His recruitment coincides with the announcement that all Wales Under 20 home Six Nations international games will be hosted at Eirias in Colwyn Bay for the next three seasons.
This is a major boost for the game in the development region along with the imminent inclusion of the representative team, RGC 1404, in a competitive rugby structure for the first time as they join Division One East for season 2012/13 in the SWALEC League.
A number of further appointments have also been confirmed by the WRU as part of the development strategy with ex-Wales prop forward, Chris Horsman, confirmed as RGC Head Coach and Damian McGrath becoming WRU North Wales Rugby Manager.
Moon will oversee these new developments taking charge of staffing, operational and strategic management and of joint WRU and Conwy council initiatives.
He will be based at Eirias in Colwyn Bay which has been developed as a major leisure facility and the home of Welsh rugby in the north.
Moon won 24 caps for Wales at scrum half before retiring from international rugby in 2001. He played club rugby for Abertillery, Neath and, most famously, Llanelli -representing them 272 times and captaining the iconic west Wales team.
He later became Head of Group Commercial and Business Development for the WRU and the Millennium Stadium before joining Protectagroup in a management role from 2007 and returning to rugby as Commercial Director of The Scarlets in 2009.
Moon said: “I am delighted to be taking on this exciting new challenge at such an important time in the history of north Wales rugby.
“There is no doubt that the region is a hotbed of the game in Wales and the WRU is working hard to harness that enthusiasm in order to grow and further integrate the game in the north.
“I see this as an opportunity and a challenge I had to accept as there is now a great team in place and huge passion for the sport.
“Leaving The Scarlets was obviously a difficult decision for me but I am proud of what I have helped the region achieve through a time of rapid change and restructuring. We’ve built a very strong team in the business and there is an excellent team at Parc y Scarlets both on and off the field and I know they will simply step up and continue to deliver the plans and progression we’ve put in place.
“I will now take the experience I have gained there and at the WRU into my new role and I am determined to ensure that the support for rugby in the north Wales development region is rewarded with focused activity and meaningful development.
“I can’t wait to get started and the season ahead promises to be an important chapter in the history of north Wales rugby.
“I have lots of ideas of how I want to see rugby grow in the north and I am also fully aware of the tremendous amount of work which has already been carried out by the WRU, NWRUC and Conwy council.
“We have a great facility at Eirias, a powerful WRU structure in place, a solid North Wales Academy, confirmed international age grade fixtures at U20s level for the next three years at least and RGC 1404 embarking on a future of league rugby with all the potential that offers.”
WRU Head of Rugby, Joe Lydon said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to secure someone of Rupert Moon’s ability, experience and profile to take on this important new role for the WRU.
“There is a tremendous amount of activity taking place in North Wales as part of our unfolding strategy for the development region and it is important we have personnel in place of the calibre to help realise the ambitions of the WRU and our key partners.
“The success of the U20 home internationals at Eirias last season proved just how big the north Wales rugby following is and we now want to build on that enthusiasm and translate it into sustainable growth in all areas of the game.
“This is a crucial time in the development of the game in the north and we have to support the hard work and commitment which is already in place.
“I must single out Conwy County Borough Council for particular praise as they have built on our existing partnership centred on the Eirias development to support the appointment of a General Manger to ensure our collective plans are realised.
“With RGC 1404 embarking on a future in Division One East it was also vital for us to have the appointment of additional key roles of Head Coach and Rugby Manager filled by extremely capable individuals who will continue to work within the existing North Wales development to performance structure and associated programmes.
“In Chris Horsman we have a first class coach with excellent credentials and the appointment of Damian McGrath as Rugby Manager for the development region will ensure we have operational clarity and focused delivery across the pathway.
“This is now the opportunity for rugby in the north to grow and develop in a way which reflects the enormous enthusiasm and passion for our sport which we know exists.
“The administrators on our North Wales Rugby Council and the WRU Board Director Peredur Jenkins have made incredible progress in recent years and now they have additional professional resources who will manage and support their ongoing commitment.
“Our thanks to the Scarlets Board and Management team for the commitment and support they have shown to the development of rugby in North Wales in the way they have worked with us to enable Rupert to take on his new role and the encouragement and desire the Scarlets have to the further progression of Welsh talent.”
Chief Executive of the Scarlets Mark Davies said: “With the progress already being made by Conwy County Borough Council and the WRU, the next step in accelerating the development of the North Wales rugby development pathways has clearly been to identify and appoint the right individual to lead the region to the next stage of its evolution.
“North Wales is an integral and essential part of the foundation of Welsh rugby, with tremendous enthusiasm and participation amongst the clubs and schools generating a wealth of exciting talent as witnessed by the success of our North Wales based academy players over the past five years, including our captain Rob McCusker. We look forward to continuing to enjoy and strengthen our links with the rugby community in North Wales and watching Eirias follow Parc y Scarlets in establishing itself as a destination venue with rugby at its heart.”
“As a region, firmly committed to development of Welsh talent, both on and off the field, we are delighted that Rupert has been identified and approached to take forward this opportunity to deliver yet another substantial personal contribution to Welsh rugby. Always a player and captain that led by example, Rupert’s commitment to establish Parc y Scarlets as the new home for all clubs and supporters in our region, together with his creativity in identifying and implementing new revenue opportunities have been crucial to the success and progression of our Scarlets business over the last three years.
“That experience, together with his achievements in time at the WRU and Millennium stadium mean he is uniquely placed to be able to contribute to both rugby and business development in North Wales.
“His big personality and his unique levels of energy and drive will mean he’s difficult to replace at the Scarlets, however Rupert has built a strong team in events that are determined to carry on his good work, and he leaves with our full support and our thanks.”
WRU Board Member Peredur Jenkins added: “I’m delighted that Rupert Moon has been appointed for what is a vitally important role for the development of RGC 1404 and U20s in North Wales.
“A lot of people have worked hard on the strategy for North Wales rugby and this appointment puts that plan into action and bodes well for the region.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m sure that everyone involved will focus their skill, energy and experience on making it work.”
The U20 Six Nations home games will be played at Eirias for the next three seasons in a unique partnership agreement with Conwy County Borough Council who operate the Eirias facility.
Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy County Borough Council, Cabinet Member said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rupert Moon to Eirias; this is an important appointment for RGC, for Colwyn Bay and for North Wales.
“The Eirias Events Centre is a key part of the Bay Life+ regeneration programme and having Rupert on board with RGC can only increase Eirias’ profile as a centre for sporting excellence.
“A key aspect of Rupert’s role within Conwy will be to work with the Bay Life+ team and local business to stimulate regeneration activity and attract investment – supporting business stability and resulting in prosperity for the local population.
“We’re very proud to have worked so closely with WRU over recent years and we’re pleased to see rugby in North Wales go from strength to strength.”
