The WRU has joined a network of more than 700 Welsh employers to pledge support to the Armed Forces community.
Terry Cobner, president of the WRU and Abi Tierney Chief Executive Officer of the WRU signed the Armed Forces Covenant with Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales.
The signing took place at Cardiff Castle on Tuesday 8th September, where WRU representatives were honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate Accession Day, the anniversary of His Majesty King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
They were treated to music from the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh. Lance Corporal Shenkin, the Regimental Goat of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, along with the Goat Major, Sergeant Mark Jackson, was also in attendance.
WRU president Terry Cobner, said, “We are proud to support the Armed Forces community in this way. Welsh rugby has a long and positive association with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh in particular, with Shenkin the Regimental Goat an important fixture as our official mascot on match days at the Principality Stadium and the Regimental Band also a regular feature. Those who serve or have served in the UK armed forces and their families are always welcome in Welsh rugby.”
Brigadier Mark Davie CBE, Commander of the Army in Wales and Vice-Chair of the Army Rugby Union, said, “Rugby is the Army’s game. It demanded courage under pressure, discipline, respect and an unshakeable commitment to the team. These value are shared by Welsh rugby and our Armed Forces, reflecting a relationship forged over generations. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the WRU is putting those values into action and standing with our whole Armed Forces cymued.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The programme in Wales is delivered by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales’ Defence Relationship Managers on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Throughout the UK some 13,000 organisations have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) including a growing number in Wales.
The 21 Gun Salute was delivered by reservists from 104 Regiment Royal Artillery who are among cc 1,400 reservists serving in Wales. They are ordinary people who come from diverse backgrounds and give up their spare time to train and serve alongside regular personnel in the Armed Forces.
Reservists work for employers of all sizes, and their minimal annual requirement is just under 30 days. In return, reservists receive world-class training to develop new skills and qualifications that transfer positively into their civilian day jobs.
RFCA for Wales’ Employer Engagement team offer assistance and advice to organisations, companies, Reservists and Cadet Volunteers relating to Defence people-related employment matters.
They work with the MoD’s Defence Relationship Management (DRM) organisation to establish open and strategic relationships with employers, tailoring partnering opportunities to mutual needs and business goals.
Mr Craig Middle, the MoD’s Defence Relationship Manager for South Wales, said, “We are delighted that the WRU has shown its support to the Armed Forces community. The number of organisations signing the Covenant is continuing to grow at an encouraging rate in Wales and indicates a positive outlook for the Armed Forces community.”
Interested in signing the Armed Forces Covenant? Contact Mr Craig Middle