WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE TRIES TO CONVERT SPONSORS TO SUPPORTING ITS BREAKAWAY TACTIC

Rugby League in Wales has taken off in recent years and since 2002 more participants than ever before are playing the game, resulting in a massive upsurge in interest and a demand to play the game at all levels. There has been a major junior development drive recently with regular participants on various camps and development days in the hundreds, resulting in a strong base for age grade representative Rugby League throughout Wales. Wales Rugby League is currently seeking to attain its own National Governing Body status, breaking away from the Rugby Football League, and becoming more autonomous in its governance and financing. A new board was appointed at the end of 2005 and is now driving the development of rugby league in Wales at both grassroots and elite levels.  • WRL Mission Statement  To deliver a high quality, player-centred and coach-driven Rugby League Coaching Programme which will provide young players with the opportunity to experience the game, develop their skills and start to achieve their full potential.  • Structure  Currently the WRL has ten registered clubs playing in two conference leagues, based throughout South Wales. All Welsh clubs are a part of the larger British Conference system, and play against English counterparts in league play-offs to ascertain a British Amateur Champion, a competition won last year by the Bridgend Blue Bulls. Within each club, as a minimum, age grade rugby must be provided at the under 17, 15 and 13 age bands. At the elite level, there are Professional, Amateur, Students and age grade levels from Under 19 down to Under 13. Wales Rugby League is looking to procure sponsorship partners at all levels of the organisation, with particular emphasis currently on the Under 19 World Cup in France.   Contact: Gavin Walker, Secretary. Tel.: 07743 847660. Other contact details in our Sport: Rugby League section. E&OE