WRU calls on Welsh public to ‘Shape our Game’

The WRU has launched nationwide consultation asking people to ‘Shape our Game’ and provide feedback about Wales’ national sport via an online survey at www.wru.wales/shapeourgame
 
The consultation will provide the foundation for the most comprehensive and far reaching review of the male adult and youth community game since the first official game of rugby was recorded in Wales 150 years ago.
 
WRU Head of Participation, Ryan Jones, said, “If you have an interest in rugby we want your input. Regardless of your age or gender we are looking for insights and opinions from across the board. Whether you are a player – current or retired – a parent, a volunteer, a teacher, coach, a community supporter or a stay-at-home fan, your opinion counts. We want to harness the passion and opinions that we know exist throughout Wales and use these to help shape the future of our national game.
 
“This feedback is crucial if we are to develop a vibrant modern game that continues to be an integral part of our communities and our culture. Nothing is off-limits. We’re looking at 15-a-side rugby provision, including 1st and 2nd XV rugby, plus more accessible formats such as Touch Rugby and Sevens. We’re keen to look at ways to attract and retain more youth and adult players, particularly 16-24 year-olds, in all forms of the game and are open to all ideas.”
 
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland, said: “For anyone who has ever sat at home and shouted at the TV with pride or frustration this is your chance to have your voice heard.  We are very lucky to have a passionate and knowledgeable rugby public in Wales. We always speak of the three million selectors we have here and this is their chance to share their views.  No-one knows the club game better than those that play, coach, referee and support it at grassroots level and we want to make the most of that expertise. A strong national squad is shaped by the community game which feeds it and that’s why I urge anybody that has an interest in the game to get involved and help us shape a healthy future for Welsh rugby.”
 
The male adult and youth participation survey follows a similar review of the women and girl’s game launched in March 2015. As a result of that review the WRU has launched a number of key initiatives to help create a dynamic and inclusive rugby pathway for Welsh females. This includes enabling girls to play in spring and summer rather than the bleaker winter months; giving them the option to play girls only rugby and enabling them to play the format which suits them be it tag, touch, 7-a-side or 15s. All moves are designed to have a further positive impact on grass roots level participation.
 
Go to www.wru.wales/shapeourgame to take a look at complete the survey to help shape the future of the game.