Community Newsletter
Welcome to the fourth edition of our community newsletter!
This week, we’re celebrating two outstanding figures in Welsh rugby: Welsh international Georgia Evans and Angie Prangell of Crosskeys RFC, who were recognised at last week’s WOMENIN Awards in Cardiff as Role Model of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Their achievements reflect the dedication and spirit that continues to strengthen our rugby family.
We’re also highlighting the incredible social impact of our WE Soda Fit Fed Fun programme, which is transforming lives and supporting communities across Wales. Inside, you’ll also find key updates on the upcoming EGM, the Road to Principality Finals, and your chance to Have Your Say on the Future of the Men’s National Leagues through our new survey.
Finally, we also highlight a recent special edition of the Welsh Rugby Union podcast, where CEO Abi Tierney tackles every question, from regional plans to the sale of Cardiff Rugby. If you missed it, you can listen again here.
Wherever you’re joining us from, clubhouse, kitchen table, or touchline, we’re delighted to have you with us as we continue celebrating the strength, commitment and passion that defines community rugby in Wales.
Diolch.
Richard Collier-Keywood today announced that he will not stand for a second term as Chair of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), concluding his tenure on 16 July 2026 at the end of his three-year term.
Richard Collier-Keywood said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first independent WRU chair.”
The latest special edition of the Welsh Rugby Union podcast asks CEO Abi Tierney to talk about the current state of play in Welsh rugby. With no questions barred Abi discusses plans for the regions, the sale of Cardiff Rugby and when changes will start bearing fruit.
The Welsh Rugby Union’s Fit, Fed & Fun programme, delivered with title partner WE Soda, has generated an impressive £5.48 million in social value over its first five years, according to an independent evaluation by the University of Gloucestershire. For every £1 invested, the initiative delivers an estimated £4.12 return, highlighting the programme’s powerful and lasting impact.
Evaluating the social impact covering the Easter and summer camps between 2022 and 2024, the programme delivered over 400 community camps, and was attended by 15,928 children and young people across 75 communities and 22 local authorities. Since 2022, camps expanded to include all holidays throughout the year in Wales doubling the number of children and young people positively engaged to over 31,000 enabling access to healthy meals, safe play spaces, and enriching social activities during school holidays, at times when many families face increased financial pressure
The evaluation reported significant improvements in participants’ wellbeing, including a 72% rise in healthy eating knowledge, 63% improvement in mental wellbeing, 74% increase in social connection, and 81% boost in safety-related behaviours. The programme also plays a key role in reducing food insecurity.
WRU Head of EDI Liam Scott and WE Soda both praised the programme’s life-changing impact and the dedication of staff and regional partners. Fit, Fed & Fun continues to expand in 2026, with new camps planned across Wales.
We would like to express our gratitude to each of the regional community foundations for their support in delivering the camps, and the Urdd. Without their dedication and support the success of our WE Soda, Fit, Fed, Fun programme would not be possible.
Welsh Rugby Union Extraordinary General Meeting – 13 April
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), requested by member clubs last month, will take place at 6pm on Monday 13 April at Principality Stadium.
For the first time under the WRU’s updated 2023 governance framework, the EGM will be held in a hybrid format, enabling clubs to participate either in person or online, improving accessibility for members across Wales.
The official EGM notice was issued to all club secretaries on Monday 16 March. This notice includes full details on how to register for the meeting, proxy voting forms for those unable to attend, and a guide to joining the hybrid meeting.
As usual, clubs that cannot be present will be able to submit votes in advance via the established proxy process, ensuring every member has the opportunity to be represented.
The WRU Board has also issued an explanatory note outlining its own recommendation on how clubs should vote at the EGM – the WRU asks member clubs not to support either the two special resolutions or the ordinary resolution. For clarity, the WRU appeals to member clubs to vote against all three resolutions.
More information, including an easy‑to‑read guide to the CGRU proposals and a thorough explanation of why the Board opposes all three recommendations, can be found here.
Georgia Evans and Angie Prangell honoured at Inaugural WOMENIN Awards 2026.
Welsh rugby is celebrating a proud moment after international star Georgia Evans and Crosskeys RFC Club Secretary, Angie Prangell were both recognised at the inaugural Sportin magazine’s WOMENIN Awards, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the game on and off the field.
Welsh forward, Georgia Evans was named Role Model of the Year, an award that reflects her powerful influence within women’s sport. This was highlighted during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where she became a symbol of strength and authenticity after facing criticism for wearing a pink bow and makeup on the pitch. She stayed true to herself and stood firm, showing that femininity and physicality belong side by side in rugby.
The response was extraordinary, with teammates and fans rallying behind her, wearing pink bows in solidarity as the moment went viral and sparked a widespread conversation. Georgia used her platform to champion inclusivity, body confidence and resilience. She has inspired countless young girls to believe they can belong in the game exactly as they are, and as she prepares to represent Wales again this year in the Guinness Six Nations, her impact as a role model continues to grow.
Alongside Georgia Evans, Angie Prangell was also honoured as a volunteer. She has been recognised for more than two decades of unwavering dedication to Crosskeys RFC and the wider rugby community. Angie has been the heartbeat of the club for over 20 years, taking on numerous roles alongside her late husband, Mark.
Most recently, her leadership as Club Secretary has been exceptional. She guided Crosskeys through the challenges of the pandemic and two devastating floods, ensuring the club remained a vital hub at the heart of its community. Known for her warmth and tireless commitment, Angie’s impact reaches far beyond administration; she is a constant source of support and inspiration; and her passion for developing others is just as impactful. Angie has been a strong advocate for women in leadership, consistently championing female representation in governance roles across clubs and business environments.
Following the heartbreaking loss of her husband in 2023, Angie’s resilience has been remarkable. Despite personal tragedy, her commitment to the club never wavered.
Together, these awards recognise two individuals who embody the very best of Welsh rugby, resilience, leadership, and the power to inspire others.
More than 1,000 young people have come together from across Wales to take part in this year’s Disability Six Nations, a powerful celebration of inclusive rugby that continues to grow.
Across eight events, culminating on March 25, a total of 1,164 children and young people have experienced the joy of representing their nation, being part of a team and enjoying rugby in a fully inclusive environment. One of the standout days of the festival took place at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach on Thursday March 12 where schools from across the region proudly pulled on their colours and took part in a range of inclusive rugby activities.
Delivered in partnership with Dragons RFC and Dragons Community, alongside professional club community departments and Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to making rugby accessible to all, a key theme within the WRU’s EDI strategy, Crys i Bawb.
Liam Scott, Head of EDI at the WRU said, “The Disability Six Nations are a brilliant example of what rugby can be at its best; inclusive, welcoming and full of joy. Seeing so many young people engaged, active, and playing with pride highlights the importance of creating opportunities where every child can take part and feel part of the rugby family. Crys i Bawb is about creating opportunities and inclusive environments within rugby, for all.”
The Disability Six Nations is more than just a series of events, it is a clear demonstration of how a game can break down barriers and create opportunities for every young person included. Whether it’s scoring a try, making new friends or simply being part of the action, the impact of the programmer can be seen in every smile, on and off the pitch.
A huge thank you to all our WRU regional community teams for their outstanding delivery of the Disability Six Nations. From Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation at Cardiff Arms Park, Dragons RFC Community in Ystrad Mynach, and Ospreys in the Community at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, to the Scarlets Community Foundation teams at Coleg Sir Gâr, Aberystwyth University, and Pembrokeshire College, and Urdd Gobaith Cymru at Parc Eirias. Your collective effort has created unforgettable experiences and showcased the very best of inclusive rugby across Wales.
Read about our commitment to inclusion here.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, the Dragons Community Team have been welcoming members of the Muslim community down to Rodney Parade for Ramadan Rugby sessions!
In the last Ramadan Rugby session before Eid, we headed to Newport to break fast and play rugby. Watch the video here.
The WRU Volunteer Strategy is gaining real momentum, and crucially, it’s being shaped by the voices that matter most, the volunteers across Welsh rugby.
Backed by a £100k Strategic Volunteering Grant from the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, work laid out within the strategy is progressing forward. Insights from the National Volunteering Survey, shared ahead of Christmas 2025, have provided a snapshot of the volunteer experience across the game, with feedback now informing the next phase of development.
The next step is already underway, as volunteers from across Wales come together to help define what the future of volunteering in Welsh rugby should look like. Engagement has been strong with both volunteers and key partners playing an active role in shaping what comes next.
Alongside this, stronger links are being established with Community Voluntary Councils to better support clubs at a local level. New resources, including the WRU Volunteer Handbook, Club Volunteer Handbook, and Volunteer Charter, have also been developed as part of the Club Investment Model. This gives clubs the tools to recruit, support, and retain volunteers.
There is a clear sense of progress and purpose behind the strategy with continued focus on supporting volunteers who are vital to the game at every level.
If you would like to contribute to these sessions and share your views as a Welsh rugby community volunteer, please email clubvolunteering@wru.wales to find out when the next sessions are.
Have Your Say on the Future of the Men’s National Leagues.
Following feedback from Member Clubs at the 2025 AGM, a working group has been established to review the current structure of the Men’s National Leagues, and community participation is essential.
We’re inviting club secretaries, players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and match officials to share their views on how the league structure is working for their club. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping future competition formats, ensuring they remain meaningful, competitive, and fit for purpose.
Once responses have been gathered and analysed, district representatives will come together to review the findings before reporting back to Member Clubs.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it within your club.
> CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY <
(When prompted, please select: ‘No, I’m just trying to fill out a form’)
Your voice matters. Help us shape the future of the game.
Road to Principality 2026 Finals are Fast Approaching.
With more than 117 finals taking place across the whole of Wales throughout April and May, this spring marks one of the busiest and most exciting periods in the community rugby calendar.
Clubs, players, volunteers, and supporters from every corner of the country are gearing up for a festival of rugby that showcases the depth, passion, and commitment within the Welsh game. All of this momentum builds towards the iconic Road to Principality finals at the home of Welsh rugby!
Clubs from across Wales are preparing for the biggest day of the season, as Road to Principality 2026 finals take centre stage this April.
As teams take their chance to play at the national ground, volunteers and supporters come together for a celebration of the community game at its very best.
Supported by headline sponsor Go.Compare, for the third consecutive year, finals action begins on Sunday 12th April at Principality Stadium, where four titles will be decided:
- Men’s Division 1 Cup Final (KO 10:45) – Abercrave v Blaina (Broadcast Live on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon YouTube)
- Women’s Cup Final (KO 13:00) – Bonymaen v Llandaff North (Broadcast Live on S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon YouTube)
- Men’s Championship Cup Final (KO 15:15) – Bedwas v Bridgend Athletic (Broadcast Live on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon YouTube)
- Men’s Premiership Cup Final (KO 17:45) – Merthyr v Neath (Broadcast Live on S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon YouTube)
On Friday 17th April, the next generation take to the pitch under the stadium lights as Amman United face Pontypool United in the Boys U18 Cup Final (KO 19:15).
Sunday 18th April celebrates the women’s and girls’ game, with two finals taking place at Principality Stadium:
- Women’s Bowl Final (KO 11:00) – Bala v Machynlleth
- Women’s Plate Final (KO 13:15) – CRCC v Seven Sisters
Supporters can then head to Cardiff Arms Park to watch Wales take on France at 15:35 in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, rounding off a full day of rugby in the capital.
The competition concludes on Sunday 19th April at Principality Stadium, where four more finals take place, with all clubs hoping to make their mark:
- Division 5 Cup Final (11:00) – Bargoed Athletic/Dunvant Athletic v Brecon Athletic/Tondu Athletic
- Division 4 Cup Final (13:15) – Llangadog v Pontyclun
- Division 3 Cup Final (15:30) – Rhigos/New Dock Stars v Tumble/Resolven
- Division 2 Cup Final (17:45) – Aberavon Quins v CRCC
Tickets are available for £15 per adult and £5 for under 18s across all RTP matches. Matches will also be streamed via WRU channels, with selected fixtures broadcast on S4C. Contact your club for tickets, or stay tuned and we will let you know when available online.
Geraint John, WRU Director of Community, says. “It’s a true festival of rugby that brings together players, clubs and communities from across Wales. These occasions create lifelong memories.”
With most teams now confirmed, clubs are encouraged to get behind their players, travel in numbers and help create a finals atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
From players to volunteers to supporters, this is your Road to Principality.
Read the full story here.
Thank you to all clubs currently progressing through their investment model preparations. We are now seeing more clubs coming through to submit their accreditation, ahead of schedule. Diolch.
Just a reminder to all clubs of the dates for submission in each District. Please remember that your on-field submissions have to be up to date on MyWRU by 31st May 2026. For your off-field submissions, our team will be available to support clubs in each District and will announce our locations and timings in the next newsletter.
If you have any concerns with your dates due to holidays etc please let us know by emailing clubbusiness@wru.wales and we can organise an alternative date.
Finally, a gentle reminder that rugby club committees across Wales are undertaking a significant amount of work to ensure they meet their chosen accreditation level. If you have relevant skills and if you feel you can support your club with its submission, please reach out to your club committee.
We have two upcoming webinars on our Dysgu WRU Platform and we are encouraging clubs to sign up via https://dysguwru.wales/
How the Welsh Sports Association can support you – Thursday 2nd April 6.00pm
Behind the headlines – an awareness session into the asylum system in Wales and how Rugby Clubs can support – Wednesday 15th April 6.00pm
Your vote could shape yours and your communities future. Find out more at Senedd.Wales/election
Your vote matters. Make your mark.
The WRU’s Pass it Back campaign is a reminder that Welsh rugby is truly a game powered by its community.
All money raised through international matches, events, and merchandise is reinvested directly back into the game across Wales, supporting clubs, coaches, volunteers, referees, and players at every level. When you support Welsh rugby, you’re helping to grow the game in your own community, funding the programmes, people, and opportunities that keep our sport thriving.
Together, we pass it back, so the whole game moves forward.