The Welsh Rugby Union has begun the process for the potential transfer of its ownership and operations of the Super Rygbi Cymru team RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) into private hands.
The governing body is working closely with representatives from the North Wales Rugby Council to identify potential investors willing to take over ownership of the club as a separate, independent entity, with significant interest already secured.
RGC was a founding team in the semi-professional SRC in its inaugural 2024/25 season and has been owned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) since 2011.
The move is in line with a WRU commitment to shift RGC to a new funding model which aligns with all other clubs in Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC). The intention is to de-couple RGC from any extra WRU responsibilities. It would then be provided with direct WRU funding which is commensurate with other SRC clubs – creating a level playing field for all – but more importantly, allow for autonomy and independence for the club, and to invite external investment.
Further to the running of RGC’s Super Rygbi Cymru team, the WRU’s current investment in North Wales RGC includes responsibilities for the RGC North Wales Regional Academy and continued support of the highly successful Women’s Player Development Centre (PDC North), both integral parts of the new player pathway.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for investors to join a north Wales rugby club with a significant amount of potential in a semi-professional domestic league which is going from strength to strength,” said the WRU’s Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin.
“We are committed to our pathway investment, in both the men’s and women’s game, as part of a rolling five-year development plan to build much stronger foundations in talent identification and development across the whole of Wales.
“The north Wales region remains strategically important to Welsh rugby and RGC has played a significant role in increasing participation, providing a representative senior team, and creating a player pathway capable of retaining and developing talent within the region.
“The next step for RGC is to transition to a stand-alone entity and access the positive commercial consequences of doing so.
“Investor feedback to date has suggested that RGC’s commercial potential is limited due to its integration with the WRU. We are keen to help realise that potential for the benefit of the rugby supporting public in north Wales.
“Outside of RGC we will invest in a sustainable structure that supports both the professional and amateur game, develops young players and provides opportunities for people across north Wales region to build a future in rugby.”
Existing Super Rugby Cymru licences run to the 2026/7 season, but the WRU has already committed an extra £500,000 investment into the competition and sees it as a central part of its future strategic direction.