The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled the full cost of acquiring Cardiff Rugby, confirming that the transaction totalled around £780,000. The WRU took over Cardiff Rugby after the club’s legal entity, Cardiff Rugby Limited, went into administration temporarily. This move has secured approximately 150 jobs, including those of the players, and ensured that all match tickets, sponsorships, and hospitality commitments will be honoured. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood emphasised that despite being under WRU ownership, Cardiff will be treated as an independent rugby club, similar to other regional sides. The WRU aims to provide a stable environment for Cardiff Rugby while assessing the future direction of the club. The initial expenses of the acquisition covered the acquisition of assets, administrative costs, and the settlement of a £300,000 debt. Various essential supplier contracts have been transitioned to a WRU subsidiary to support the ongoing operations of Cardiff Rugby.
Additionally, the WRU confirmed the appointment of its chief operating officer Leighton Davies and chief data and digital officer Steve King as the directors of Cardiff Rugby. Currently placed ninth in the United Rugby Championship, Cardiff Rugby will resume their season on April 19 with a crucial match against Ospreys in the Principality Stadium as part of Welsh rugby’s Judgement Day. Subsequent fixtures against Munster, the Bulls, and Stormers will serve as opportunities for Cardiff Rugby to secure a place in the URC playoffs, awarded to the top eight teams in the league. The WRU emphasised its commitment to supporting the players, employees, and stakeholders of Cardiff Rugby and welcomed the club into the WRU family.
In other rugby news, promising Welsh star Ryan Wilkins has returned from Australia to rejoin Bridgend Ravens just three weeks after departing for a playing opportunity in Perth. Wilkins had recently made the move to Palmyra in Western Australia to compete in the Fortescue Premier Grade. The 22-year-old expressed an interest in exploring a new rugby environment and lifestyle, citing a desire for personal growth and development. However, Wilkins is now poised to make a swift return to competitive action with Bridgend Ravens. His comeback reinforces the team’s squad ahead of the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru clash with Carmarthen Quins. Wilkins had left Wales with an open-ended timeframe for his Australian venture, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional rugby careers and the allure of new experiences.
Moreover, Wales international Rhys Davies has extended his contract with Ospreys, committing to further contributions to his hometown club. Having overcome a lengthy injury layoff, Davies showcased his skills in a recent Challenge Cup victory, setting the stage for a potential return to the national team. The 26-year-old expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and emphasised his dedication to helping Ospreys reach their full potential. Ospreys head coach Mark Jones lauded Davies’ resilience and impact on the team, highlighting his value in both set-piece plays and open-field contributions. The re-signing of Davies signifies Ospreys’ commitment to building a competitive squad and pursuing success in domestic and European competitions.
In youth rugby, Wales U18s made a strong start in the Six Nations Festival by defeating Ireland 32-24 in Vichy, France. Despite conceding an early try, Wales rallied with impressive performances from Thomas Howe, Kai Jones, and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones. The team’s resilience and strategic play enabled them to secure a hard-fought victory, showcasing the depth of talent in Welsh age-grade rugby. Head coach Richie Pugh praised the players’ adaptability and determination in facing tough opponents, underlining the developmental focus of international youth competitions. Wales’ upcoming matches against Georgia and Italy will provide further tests for the young squad, offering valuable experiences and learning opportunities on the international stage.
Overall, the recent developments in Welsh rugby highlight a mix of challenges and opportunities across various levels of the sport. From strategic acquisitions and player returns to youth team successes, the rugby landscape in Wales continues to evolve, setting the stage for exciting future prospects and developments in the sport.