The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has revealed a transformative new funding model for its community clubs.
The new funding approach, which will be up and running for the 2026/27 season but will see ‘best practice’ changes begin take hold from next season, aims to:
• Help its 276 member clubs get ‘Funding Ready’ and meet WRU criteria to unlock at least £2.84 million in annual funding
• For the first time, recognise ‘off-field’ as well as ‘on-field’ success in order to create quality, resilient, sustainable and thriving clubs
• Engage clubs with easily accessible digital templates and online resources to ensure all meet minimum operating standards
• This major cultural shift follows the completion of an extensive consultation process throughout Welsh rugby.
The process took the form of a comprehensive 12-month review into how the game’s core grant is distributed across the 276 WRU-affiliated and member clubs.
The review, led by WRU’s Executive Director of Community Geraint John, formed the basis of a national roadshow that visited all clubs, via the nine WRU Districts, to present the proposed model and gather feedback.
The proposal recognises how the grassroots game is at the heart of Welsh rugby. It was shaped by contributions from club representatives themselves and external stakeholders and has now been ratified by the WRU Board.
“We are excited to confirm the introduction of a new, forward-looking funding structure for the community game,” said WRU Board member John Manders, who also chairs the WRU’s Community Game Board.
“It is important to note that the overall annual funding level for our clubs remains unchanged, but the new system will direct investment in a more transparent and equitable way rewarding best practice in our community game off the pitch as well as success on it.
“We believe this new model will transform club rugby and give many of our clubs the opportunity to apply for greater funding.
“The model is the result of months of collaboration and consultation with our clubs, and it is designed to secure a sustainable and accountable financial future for grassroots rugby throughout Wales.”
The new funding structure and the increased focus on community club rugby is a key pillar of the WRU’s new strategy launched in June 2024. The new funding model establishes three key performance targets for clubs to achieve by 2030:
• 95% of clubs will have a Club Development Plan to ensure financial stability
• 95% of clubs will have an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Plan, showing that they are welcoming, inclusive and safe environments
• 100% of clubs will maintain a rolling programme of self-assessment, which ensures they are well governed, culturally astute, modern and well run
• While the overall annual funding level (at least £2.84m) will remain consistent, the revised system introduces new criteria and a points-based allocation model to ensure return on investment is more transparent, equitable and strategically aligned with WRU goals.
Geraint John says, “The new model reflects the reality that our modern community rugby clubs must focus just as much on culture, inclusion and governance as they do on performance.
“We are rewarding those who are proactive in developing junior participation and community links, and who commit to building welcoming, well-run club environments. This is an essential part of future-proofing our clubs.”
A five-tier, off-field accreditation framework will be implemented, linking financial support to a club’s progress in areas such as safeguarding, inclusivity, workforce development and facility management.
The WRU’s ‘Places’ team, lead by Angharad Collins, will continue to support clubs to meet the new criteria and improve their operational standards.
A new ‘volunteer coordinator’ position will be recruited to support clubs with recruitment, retention, reward and recognition of volunteers within their local communities.
“Our clubs are the beating heart of Welsh rugby,” added WRU Head of Places, Collins. “This funding model gives them the tools and the incentive to thrive, both on and off the pitch.
“The future of the game depends on our ability to evolve, and, with the backing of our clubs, we will secure that future.”