Welsh RL partners with Beach Rugby Wales
The Wales Rugby League have revealed that they have embarked on a new partnership with Beach Rugby Wales, ahead of their 2017 tournament on Saturday July 22, in Swansea Bay.
The main aims of the intitiative are to raise rugby league’s profile in Wales, as well as develop more players and referees who can transfer their skills into the 13-man code.
The WRL will help co-ordinate the event in Swansea Bay, and also provide training to referees to become rugby league qualified match officials.
They will have a noticeable presence at the event too, promoting our game in South Wales.
Beach Rugby Wales founder Ashleigh Walters is pleased to see rugby league making an impact again in Swansea.
“We are delighted to be working with the WRL governing body,” he said.
“It’s been a long time since Wales Rugby League has come to Swansea city itself.
We remember the old matches at the Vetch Field back in the 1990s, which is just 100 metres from our sandy stadium.
“It’s also a great opportunity to open the doors to over 50 clubs which will hopefully help grow the rugby league game in Wales and further afield.
“The new association will also be a great opportunity for both parties to speak with potential new and current partners and grow their commercial arm especially with the successful corporate competition at Beach Rugby Wales.
“Sponsors can enjoy a great day out playing against other businesses whilst enjoying a beer with their staff and families.
“Beach Rugby Wales is played mainly by union sides, invitational teams and groups of friends, but the style of play is physical touch, so it fits well with the physical rugby league brand and shows how great an event it is to have the national governing body of Wales Rugby League come on board.”
WRL national development manager Idris Evans believes that beach rugby and rugby league are a good fit with each other.
“Gareth Howells (Beach Rugby Wales commercial director), Ashleigh and I have been working on this venture for some time now and the WRL are really excited to be getting involved with this prestigious event.
“Beach rugby is basically rugby league without as much physicality so it ties in great with our laws of the game and match officials / referees.”
“The event falls right in the middle of our season so we’re hoping to get some clubs along and have some fun, the day will provide us with a great opportunity to spread the word of rugby league in South Wales and specifically the Swansea area.”