The Wales national rugby squad trained at the venue as part of their Rugby World Cup preparations and took time out to meet Wales Rally GB driver Elfyn Evans.
The rugby players had a chance to admire Elfyn’s M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC car and also meet up and coming Welsh drivers Osian Pryce and newcomer Tom Cave.
The Wales Rally GB takes place during November(12 – 15) while eight games from the Rugby World Cup including two quarter finals will be staged at the Millennium Stadium during September and October.
The two events are expected to have a combined economic impact on the wider Welsh economy of more than £327m as fans of both sports from around the world decend on the nation.
More than 4.500 fans who turned up to watch the open rugby training session watched the rugby and rally get together which took place at pitchside.
Wales captain Sam Warburton said it had been a positive trip to North Wales with a great reception at Parc Eirias; “It’s great for the spectators that live in Wales to have world-class events that put Wales on the map. To have so many Welsh sportsmen competing at the top level of world sport is good for Welsh sport as a whole.
“A lot of the boys are petrol heads and love the adrenaline sports so it’s great for us to mix. To be up here in North Wales is something completely different to what we’ve done before. The supporters have turned up in massive numbers and it’s been quite overwhelming really.”
Elfyn Evans, said : “It’s been great to see the national squad train up in North Wales in front of a packed crowd, there’s always a warm welcome here at Parc Eirias which hosted the opening ceremony of the Wales Rally GB last year.
“I’d like to wish all the boys good luck for the Rugby World Cup, which is such a big event for everyone involved in rugby in Wales. Coming from mid-Wales, there’s no escaping rugby and it’s the only sport outside of motor sport that I actually follow. Now to have these two fantastic events in Wales later this year is just fantastic.”
Ben Taylor Managing Director of Wales’ Rally GB said: “Rugby and rallying are two of the most popular sports in Wales and this has been an exciting opportunity for all involved to showcase both forthcoming events and celebrate the economic value, business, tourism and commercial benefits that global sport brings to Wales. We are delighted to have agreed another new deal with Welsh Government whose support has been critical to the success of Wales Rally GB and it’s great news for motor sport sector in Wales and the UK.”
Welsh Government Minister comment here: Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “I was delighted to welcome the Wales Rugby World Cup training team to North Wales yesterday. These two major events will mean that the world’s eyes are on Wales yet again and provide a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile Wales, our sporting greatness and capability of hosting world-class events. As one of our highest profile events we are pleased to have extended our support for the Wales Rally GB and look forward to this year’s event. Our events and attractions will play a part in positioning Wales as a leading destination for adventure during The Year of Adventure 2016.”
Wales Rally GB is the highlight of the UK rallying calendar and is renowned around the globe as one of the most famous and challenging in the WRC. It’s one of only two events that have remained a permanent fixture since the WRC’s inception in 1973 and the timed competitive special stages set in the legendary Welsh forests are acclaimed as some of the world’s finest.
Conwy County welcomed both sports to North Wales official host to Wales Rally GB and home to Parc Eirias.
Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Marketing and Leisure, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Wales’ top names in sport to Colwyn Bay. Wales Rally GB and the Wales National Squad together in Eirias Stadium is a real treat for fans of both sports.
WRU General Manager for North Wales development region, Rupert Moon said: “It’s been an brilliant and unique event here at Parc Eirias which thousands of loyal and passionate rugby supporters showing their support for our national side as they trained here in North Wales as well as championing one of North Wales’ flagship sporting events of the year the Wales Rally GB.”
