The new season is upon us and I wish you all the very best for the 2017/18 season,
I am especially looking forward to following the fortunes of the four history making 2nd XV’s, the first 2nd XV’s to play in the National Leagues (Division 3 North). I have detailed below some of the developments and discussion points from the close season and would welcome the opportunity to discuss further with your Committee Members. It would be useful for me to know the dates of your Committee meetings so that I can arrange a date convenient to yourselves.
Governance
The modernisation of governance within the WRU began with the appointments of the two independent non-executive Directors (one female) in 2015 and continued with the creation of four new sub-boards to discuss specific aspects of governance prior to board meetings, with the aim of streamlining the decision-making process in Welsh Rugby. The work continues, led by WRU Chairman Gareth Davies, the aim being to achieve a self-regulated fit for purpose governance structure. Gareth will chair our District Annual Meeting at Colwyn Bay RFC on 11 September and provide an update on the evening.
We too have been invited to review our organisational structures in North Wales, to appoint one leadership group to deliver the WRU’s strategy for the North Wales Development Region. The strategy includes aspects of both the community and professional game in North Wales and the group will be expected to work in a highly flexible and interactive manner (‘agile’), in tandem with the staff of the WRU and with a license to modernise, take decisions and move rugby in North Wales forward to next levels. I would welcome your thoughts and involvement in the creation of the group and should be pleased if you would register your interest either by e mail or telephone with Sian or myself.
RGC 1404 – local based players
It has been agreed that for season 2017/18 all local based players included in the RGC 1404 Premiership squad of 32 will be dual registered with their ‘club of origin’. It is hoped that this arrangement will prove to be an improvement on the permit system favoured in previous seasons, by reducing the administrative burden and most importantly allow all clubs, regardless of league status, to benefit accordingly. The player will nominate the club of origin and the dual registration forms will be completed and submitted to the Union early next week.
The rules allow for a maximum of 2 dual registered players to be placed with any one club. In cases where clubs have more than 2 players in the RGC 1404 squad, RGC 1404 will determine the two dual registered players on the basis that they are the most likely to go back to their club of origin during the season. If an occasion arises whereby a non- dual registered player requires game time the permit system will be used and protocols will apply.
WRU President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
For many years custom and practice has allowed individuals to nominate rugby club volunteers for recognition by the WRU. It was recommended and approved by the WRU Board that a unified approach be adopted whereby the merits of the individual nomination matched or exceeded the following criteria. Nomination forms will be available soon.
1 At least a minimum of 50 years active participation in Welsh Rugby in a volunteer capacity (including time playing and/or coaching).
2 The individual must be readily recognised by the rugby community for the work and contribution they have made to rugby football in their area
3 Nomination by at least two rugby organisations, whether they be Clubs or Districts
4 Any nomination must be endorsed by the relevant District Appointed Director (at least two Directors must support the nomination)
The nominations will be considered by the President, a National Representative and an Independent Non-Executive Director. The award winner plus a guest would be invited to attend as a guest of the Union in the President’s Lounge on an Autumn International match and the award will take the form of an engraved glass bowl.
There will be 1 winner per Season, with the condition of a backlog in the first instance there will be a maximum of 3 winners per Season.
Important to note that this Award is not intended to replace any awards that the District may wish to present in recognition of service to Rugby in North Wales.
District XV’s
District D (Aberavon, Bridgend, Maesteg, Neath and the Garw and Ogmore Valleys) are looking for fixtures. An opportunity to play as a Gogledd Cymru XV, outside the player development
pathway? District XV rugby could evolve and become an important element rugby calendar.
Alwyn Jones 07958 042589 01248 355137 alwyn.jones@wru.wales