The Welsh Rugby Union has achieved a landmark moment for community rugby in Wales with the official roll out of its off-field accreditation funding.
More than 65% of community clubs have achieved the highest possible ‘Platinum’ accreditation rating under the WRU’s pioneering new Club Investment Model.
The new model represents a fundamental shift in how the WRU invests in the grassroots game. From the start of the 2026/27 season clubs have been awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze status based not only for what they achieve on the pitch, but also for the strength, sustainability and governance they demonstrate off it.
Rather than funding based primarily on player participation, the framework recognises clubs that demonstrate excellence across areas including governance, business planning, safeguarding, inclusion, volunteer development, facilities and player pathways. The aim being to create stronger, more resilient clubs which play an essential role at the heart of their communities.
Designed to help clubs become “funding ready” and open the way for them to access additional external grants, the new investment model provides a clear development framework supported by digital resources and practical guidance. It ensures investment is distributed in a transparent, equitable, and strategically aligned way, through a points-based accreditation system that rewards best practice and delivers greater accountability for investment.
The accreditation programme also establishes ambitious long-term objectives for community rugby. By 2030, the WRU aims for:
- 95% of clubs to have a club development plan – ensuring long-term financial sustainability
- 95% of clubs to have an equality, diversity and inclusion plan – creating welcoming, inclusive and safe environments
- 100% of clubs to have safeguarding plans – ensuring a clear safeguarding culture
This new accreditation process has seen an overwhelming response from clubs, with 178 of Wales’ community clubs achieving the highest possible Platinum status and is designed to ensure WRU funding supports clubs that are creating safe, inclusive and sustainable environments where rugby can thrive for generations to come.
WRU Director of Community Rugby, Geraint John, said: Today is a landmark day for community rugby in Wales and, above all, a celebration of our clubs and the extraordinary commitment our brilliant volunteers show.
“Achieving accreditation at any level requires an incredible amount of work from volunteers, committee members and everyone involved in running our clubs.
“The criteria were intentionally challenging because they reflect what a modern, sustainable and thriving rugby club should look like. Clubs have had to evidence excellence across governance, safeguarding, business planning, volunteer development, inclusion and facilities and they have risen to that challenge.
“To see 178 clubs achieve Platinum accreditation in the very first year is an outstanding achievement. It speaks volumes about the standards that already exist across Welsh community rugby and the willingness of clubs to continually improve. Behind every accreditation is a team of dedicated volunteers who have invested countless hours alongside their day jobs and family commitments because they care deeply about the future of their club, rugby and their community.
“This isn’t simply about achieving a status or unlocking investment. It is about recognising and rewarding the incredible work that goes into running successful community clubs every single week.
“By celebrating excellence off the field, we are helping to build stronger, safer and more sustainable clubs that will continue to be at the heart of Welsh communities for generations to come.
“Every club that has engaged with the process should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.
“Whether they have reached Platinum this year or are continuing their journey, they have demonstrated a genuine commitment to strengthening the future of Welsh rugby.”
Blackwood Stars achieved Gold status through their recent application. Club Secretary, Dai Lewis, said: “The award of gold accreditation by the WRU is an incredible achievement for a small hard-working committee and volunteers who have only been running a clubhouse for 5 years and everybody at the club is incredibly proud of this achievement.”
“This award confirms our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and well managed rugby club for players, volunteers, members and the wider community and we will continue to maintain a strong sustainable future for rugby in the Blackwood town, like we have been doing for the last 106 years.
“This accreditation is the result of all the unseen hard work done by volunteers in the background; the club would like to thank all our committee and volunteers for the hard work and time they have put in to achieve this award which is very well deserved.”
Bonymaen RFC club secretary, Natasha Kowalski, said: “Working towards Platinum status made us look at every area of the club and has left us in a much stronger position, both on and off the field. It’s not just about achieving an accreditation – it’s about making sure we’re giving our players, volunteers and community the best club we possibly can.
“The support from the WRU has been brilliant throughout, and Platinum status will strengthen future funding and grant applications, helping us to continue to invest in the future.”
“Our volunteers are the backbone of Bonymaen RFC. They give up countless hours because they care about the club and the people in it, and this recognition is a reflection of everything they’ve done.
“Our Platinum award is something every player, volunteer, coach, parent and supporter at Bonymaen can be proud of. They can all now say they’re part of a WRU Platinum Accredited club”.
The Club Investment Model forms a central part of the WRU’s long-term vision to strengthen the foundations of Welsh rugby by recognising excellence both on and off the field and throughout August, clubs will be presented with a plaque recognising their accreditation level.
The accreditation programme provides every community club with a clear development framework, practical resources and defined standards, ensuring future investment is directed towards creating sustainable, well-run clubs capable of supporting players, volunteers and local communities long into the future.
As clubs continue their accreditation journey, the WRU will work alongside them to share best practice, support continuous improvement and ensure community rugby remains one of Wales’ greatest strengths.