ASDA JOIN WELSH RUGBY COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
The two-year deal means the WRU National League will now be known as the ASDA League from Division 1-5. ASDA will also become the official partner of referees for those Leagues and heavily involved in a number of Union initiatives in the community end of the game including the recruitment and retention of referees, health and general fitness.
“This is an important partnership for the WRU because it comes at a time when we are re-emphasising the need to make rugby clubs across the country the hub of their communities,” said WRU chief executive Steve Lewis. “ASDA are a Wales wide retailer who already have superb links with many of the communities that our clubs serve. I’m sure we will forge a strong partnership that will be mutually beneficial.”
James Loxdale, spokesperson for ASDA said: “Asda is proud to become a Community Partner of the WRU. “The partnership reflects our passion to be the number one retailer in the community and builds on the tremendous support Asda recently committed through our fund raising and sponsorship of the hugely successful Welsh Special Olympic Team.
“With Asda’s new Brynmawr store opening in September adding to the successful opening of Pembroke Dock earlier in the year plus recent extensions at Cardiff Coryton Supercentre, Cardiff Bay, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandudno we will have created over 600 new jobs in 12 months.
“Asda’s support of Welsh Suppliers is well recognised through our recent sponsorship of the WDA Food awards. With over 30 Suppliers on board we now sell over 200 locally sourced products. Sales of Welsh products are up 150 per cent over the last 2 years.
“We look forward to working closely with the WRU and particularly local rugby clubs in the communities of our stores.
“It’s an exciting time for Asda and Welsh rugby working together in the build-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup!”
