It was decided last autumn to recruit an individual specifically responsible for promoting the use of the Welsh language within the Union and throughout the game and former Cymru Premier General Manager, Gwyn Derfel, was appointed to the post.
Immediate steps were taken to improve public facing provision – in a genuine and natural way. The WRU also encouraged and facilitated Welsh Language lessons during working hours.
Over a hundred members of staff at the Union have expressed their firm interest to start learning the “Language of Heaven” under the guidance and support of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. These free lessons will begin in November this year.
With the co-operation and guidance from the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office over a period of months – and the unanimous support of the Union’s Board of Directors – the WRU Language Policy was published at the Royal Welsh Showground – which publicly stated the Union’s clear commitment towards the Welsh language.
WRU Interim Chief Executive, Nigel Walker was instrumental in this process and was present in Llanelwedd at the launch of the policy. The Union’s commitment was formally recognised by the Commissioner herself, Efa Gruffudd Jones.
Nigel Walker said: “We will improve our provision and services and welcome the new opportunities that promoting the Welsh language will bring to us and our supporters.”
WRU interim CEO Nigel Walker has been instrumental in his support for the initiative.
The WRU has offered free and practical assistance to its principal partners and sponsors many of which use Welsh in their marketing campaigns, which has proven to be popular with the fans..
Statistics published by the Welsh Language Commissioner state that 84% of companies confirmed that using Welsh ‘Enriches their Brand’ while 76% had ‘Attracted new customers’ by using the language.
The Welsh Rugby Union continues to offer free guidance about Welsh language and culture to other event organisers who use the Principality Stadium. Coldplay’s management team welcomed this service with open arms ahead of their two performances in June.
The WRU and the band worked together to prepare a bilingual introductory video to the concert and the support bands (which included local girl Hana Lili) were also welcomed to the stage in both languages. The fact that Coldplay’s lead vocalist Chris Martin, used around half a dozen Welsh sentences during the performances was warmly received by the public.
The WRU has actively attempted to ensure that the entertainment at the Principality Stadium on matchdays has a distinctive feel with both languages being heard and represented. While the hymns, choirs and brass bands still appeal to a sizeable cohort of the fans, the likes of the Stereophonics and Alpha offer a slightly more contemporary feel leading up to kick-off.
The Welsh Rugby Union is trying to appeal to everyone – including the younger generation. At the start of Wales’ World Cup campaign ‘I’r Gad Fy Wlad’ by Gwcci, was adopted as the official WRU song.
Nigel Walker said: “The Union is actively trying to appeal to the younger generation.
“We have to make rugby more relevant and attractive to the younger generation.
“Thanks to collaboration between different departments, it is now possible for players to register to play in Welsh and many training courses are also available in both languages.
“More of the correspondence we send to member clubs is now bilingual. Welsh appears prominently on international match tickets and in our social media output. A dedicated provision for attendees at our Annual General Meetings makes it more possible and practical for members to have their say in Welsh if that is their choice and preference. Much progress is being made in the right direction. This is the beginning of the journey.”
Co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are always proud to use their Welsh.
One of the cornerstones of the WRU Language Policy is that the key players embrace the responsibility of encouraging the next generation to use the Welsh language proudly. The Union hopes that the fact the two World Cup co-captains, Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan use their Welsh language skills so naturally and confidently will inspire the next generation to make use of the Welsh that they have.
Hannah Jones, the Welsh Women’s Captain attended Ysgol Dyffryn Aman at the same time as Jac Morgan. The three captains have been prolific and pro-active in their use of Welsh since being appointed:
Jones said: “I think it’s important that we show the world that we have two languages in Wales and as captain of my country I take great pride in doing so.”
Hannah Jones is inspiring the next generation of Welsh speakers.
Dewi Lake added: “It was a really nice experience being announced at the co-Captain for the Rugby World Cup live on S4C. I really enjoy using the language and if it helps others to gain some confidence to use their Welsh – then that’s an obvious bonus as well.”
Welsh Rugby Union officials have met with club representatives and encouraged them to get in touch with their comments about the current Welsh language provision. Constructive feedback from members of the public is also always welcome.
The Welsh Rugby Union intends to constantly improve its Welsh language provision and the commitment is crystal clear – as set out in the Language Policy:
“Considering and promoting the Welsh language in everything we offer to our public is a daily commitment to an institution at the heart of our nation.”
If you have any comments or recommendations relating to the WRU’s Welsh language provision – please contact the Welsh Language Manager, Welsh Rugby Union gderfel@wru.wales .
