Newport City Council Joins Calls to Keep Professional Rugby in City

Strategic Insights -

Newport City Council has pledged its support to maintain professional rugby in the city, citing the sport's positive impact on the community and local economy. The club, Dragons RFC, engages with over 120,000 young people every year, providing various community services such as wheelchair rugby and mental health support. The council believes that the absence of professional rugby would have a negative impact on the city centre's footfall on match days.

Key Takeaways:

  • Newport City Council has expressed its support for maintaining professional rugby in the city, emphasizing the sport's role in the community.
  • Dragons RFC engages with over 120,000 young people annually, providing various community services, including wheelchair rugby and mental health support.
  • The club has a dedicated fan base and has been a staple at Rodney Parade since 2003, with a strong presence in the region since regional rugby began.
  • The Dragons' owners are committed to building a financially stable club and have stated their intention to participate in the Welsh Rugby Union's consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales.
  • The WRU's consultation aims to gather feedback on the future of elite rugby in Wales, considering options such as maintaining four professional clubs or reducing to two clubs.

Statistics:

  • 120,000: The number of young people Dragons RFC engages with every year.
  • 2003: The year regional rugby began, with the Dragons having a strong presence in the region since then.
  • 2023: The year the Dragons' current owners took over the club.
  • 2025/26: The season in which new rugby rules will come into effect.
  • September 1: The start date of the WRU's consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales.
  • September 26: The end date of the WRU's consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales.

Sources:

  • Newport City Council, "Statement on Dragons RFC"
  • The Guardian, "Dragons RFC's owners call for elite rugby to remain in Gwent"
  • The WRU, "One Wales Strategy"
  • The Argus, "Campaign to save the Dragons RFC"