The Benefit

Valleys Rugby would benefit the game in Wales (in outline) as follows:-

The Valleys Rugby community would benefit as a result of:-

The return of professional rugby to the area; with a professional team that the Valleys communities can identify with and support;
The establishment of an exciting and catalytic social enterprise in which individuals and whole communities can engage;
A revitalised role for a professional rugby team (and its affiliated clubs) at the heart of its community;
A thriving derby atmosphere, with a Region playing throughout its affiliated clubs, but based in a town centre rugby facility (Sardis Road) for the majority of its fixtures;
A multi-million pound injection into the regional economy of the South Wales Valleys in the shape of supporter expenditure, expenditure on goods, services and staff (see detailed analysis in Valuing Rugby in the Valleys by Arad Research);
Local employment and business opportunities;
Generation of local sporting, community and business models contributing to a wider objective of improving health and wellness, social and economic entrepreneurship.

The existing Regions would benefit as follows:-

Additional Derby Game (local rivals as per Our Region section);
Heineken Cup continuity for a 3 year period whilst Valleys Rugby commits to European Shield;
Players developed at Valleys Rugby available to the other Regions on player release terms (see section Our Players & Coaches);
Valleys Rugby committed to “development stars” being provided with game time if placed with Valleys Rugby by the existing Regions.

High profile venture and perceived willingness to reinvigorate the existing Regional structure;
Re-engage with the Valleys Community;
Placing of National Coaches with Valleys Rugby as guided by the WRU;
Commitment to “development stars” as guided by the WRU;
WRU to be invited to attend strategy meetings of Valleys Rugby as the concept is developed prior to 2013/4 season;
WRU to be invited to take a board seat at Valleys Rugby;
Commitment to develop North Wales within a defined time period.

Games staged in North Wales as annual events (Edinburgh and Ulster);
Valleys Rugby underpin would enable the North Wales development to be carried out from an existing hotbed of talent;
North Wales Academy base, to allow the development of players within the area without the need to travel extensively;
Commitment to North Wales players by introducing the 20% playing quota;
Commitment to developing a viable community based Region for North and Mid Wales.