Inclusion news

The WRU is proud to announce a three-year extension to the sponsorship deal with Ciner Group for its transformative Fit, Fed & Fun initiative.

Since 2022, Ciner Group has served as the WRU’s official community partner, helping to deliver free, rugby-themed holiday camps that provide nutritious meals, physical activity, and vital community support to thousands of children in under-resourced areas.

To date, the initiative which is led by Ciner Group’s subsidiary partner WE Soda and the WRU has delivered over 650 camps, supporting more than 30,000 children in the most deprived parts of Wales with the opportunity to play rugby and engage in fun activities. So far, in 2025, nearly 12,000 children have already benefited from the camps, with over 300 sessions run in partnership with WRU’s rugby regional foundations across the whole of Wales.

The Fit, Fed & Fun camps offer more than just rugby; they provide healthy breakfasts and lunches, inclusive activities, and the opportunity for children to learn about the benefits of looking after their community and the environment, in a safe and welcoming environment.

WRU head of EDI, Liam Scott said, “We are delighted that Ciner Group has extended their partnership for the next three years.  Through their subsidiary partner, We Soda, we have been able to scale support, year on year for the past three years, looking at areas most in need of opportunities for physical activity and nutritious meals during the school holidays.

“It’s not just fun rugby activities held at schools or local rugby clubs, the camps help to build social skills and self-esteem too and we’ve been able to source free boots through our partner Gilbert for those children who don’t have them.

“The success of our We Soda Fit, Fed, and Fun camps is a powerful reminder of how sport can bring communities together. We’re proud of the impact we’ve had so far and are looking forward to reaching even more families this year, making sure every child has the chance to be active, included, and well-nourished this summer.

“Through fantastic partners like Ciner Group and the regional foundations who help us deliver the camps, we are able to continue with the vital work supporting young children and communities across Wales through the power of rugby.”

To date, the programme has delivered over 95,000 pieces of fruit, 63,000 meals, and 6,000 pairs of boots to children across Wales, ensuring they are fuelled, equipped, and ready to play and learn.

“This is more than just sport. It’s about community, inclusion, and opportunity,” adds, Mrs Didem Ciner, Chair of Ciner Group.

“We are proud to support programmes that put food on tables, smiles on faces, and provide opportunities to thousands of children across Wales. Our continued investment and partnership with the WRU reflects our deep commitment to the people and communities of Wales.”

In June, the WRU and Ciner Group hosted an event in Parliament with Welsh Members of Parliament. The event highlighted the programme’s remarkable growth, providing MPs with a first-hand look at the programme’s impact and reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration between sport, government, and business to support the next generation.