ANNUAL REPORT 2019 ADRODDIAD BLYNYDDOL Dewrder Courage Hiwmor Humour Cywirdeb Integrity Rhagoriaeth Excellence Teulu Family Llwyddiant Success 2 THE WELSH RUGBY UNION LIMITED – ANNUAL REPORT 2019 THE WELSH RUGBY UNION LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019 President’s Message .......................................................................................................................................4 Chairman’s Statement ................................................................................................................................... 6 Group Chief Executive’s Summary .................................................................................................................8 Strategic Report ...........................................................................................................................................14 A Year in Community Rugby ........................................................................................................................24 A Year in Professional Rugby ........................................................................................................................30 Directors’ Report ..........................................................................................................................................36 Consolidated Income Statement ..................................................................................................................41 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ....................................................................................42 Consolidated and Company Balance Sheets ................................................................................................43 Consolidated Statement of Changes In Equity .............................................................................................44 Company Statement of Changes In Equity ..................................................................................................45 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows .......................................................................................................46 Notes to the Financial Statements ................................................................................................................47 Independent Auditors’ Report ......................................................................................................................76 Welsh Rugby Union Governance .................................................................................................................80 Registered Office ..........................................................................................................................................85 Board of Directors ........................................................................................................................................86 Welsh Rugby Union Council ........................................................................................................................92 Executive Board ............................................................................................................................................98 Obituaries...................................................................................................................................................102 Commercial Partners ..................................................................................................................................106 THE WELSH RUGBY UNION LIMITED – ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3 President’s Message Dennis Gethin OBE The President of the In my time I’ve also been honoured to this unseen group of dedicated Welsh Rugby Union gains and delighted to present individuals, and I’m particularly privileged access to the full international caps to individuals proud that it was inaugurated spectrum of Welsh rugby, who have made their debuts in during my term of office. but especially to the club a Wales jersey, and to those who I have been honoured to attend and community game. have passed a particular milestone rugby club dinners across the Over the past twelve years and gained 50 or even 100 caps. length and breadth of Wales and I have made it my mission These are very special moments for had the privilege to speak to those to support grassroots both the player and their families. at the very heart of our national rugby because I believe However, the trophy presentations game, at community matches it is the lifeblood of our in the grassroots game are equally around the country. marvellous sport. as valuable to me, and to the Of course, I’ve also had the good They say if you want to photograph Welsh Rugby Union. I believe it fortune to travel the globe with life, the best place to visit is a train is important for your President Wales on official duty, along the station or an airport – for those to commit to that personal way watching Sumo wrestling in who want to know about Welsh level of support and be a visible Japan, visiting the White House rugby, its trials and tribulations, presence whenever possible. in the USA and I have probably its moments of great joy and Likewise, the WRU President’s been honoured with more Hakas splendour and its heartbreak, Lifetime Achievement Award and Pōwhiris than any of my a long walk in the shoes of the which recognises outstanding predecessors put together. WRU President gives a unique service by volunteers. To the best understanding and insight. of my knowledge, Welsh rugby is Each one creates a special memory unique in giving due recognition and is a reminder of the unifying 4 THE WELSH RUGBY UNION LIMITED – ANNUAL REPORT 2019 force that is rugby. No matter the management team who Annual Report, but I would like to what nationality, we all speak the are remaining in post and will, emphasise their efforts in the name same language in sport. I know, share their valuable of Welsh rugby are very much I am also extremely proud to say knowledge and experience with appreciated by the administrators, that my tenure at the Welsh Rugby the incoming group. players, coaches and officials who Union mirrors that of the greatest Like any sport, playing rugby follow them. coach to have ever watched carries a risk of injury. How As I sign off for one last time, I do over our national team. In my we manage that, and how we so with a heavy heart but with a first season as President, Warren safeguard all of our players is vital. host of fond memories gleaned Gatland led Wales to a Six Nations My position as Chair of the Welsh from all walks of Welsh rugby life. Grand Slam and he completed his Rugby Charitable Trust brings me I have been at the scene of the hat-trick at the helm in YE19 – it into regular contact with a small greatest triumphs for many, been is a phenomenal achievement and but extremely important part of privileged to hand over trophies, one that may never be matched. the Welsh rugby family; those medals and caps at moments He and I started together, and who have suffered life-changing that defined careers. I have seen we both bow out together after injuries. It is a significant part of those who have lost act graciously the 2019 Rugby World Cup in the WRU President’s role and one I in defeat and witnessed the Japan. I can only hope that my have found richly rewarding. It has camaraderie that crosses the divide own efforts in support of Welsh been my privilege to have been of competing teams in clubhouses rugby in the last 12 years might welcomed into their homes and around both Wales and the globe, register at least a fraction of the their families, and to have worked when the game is over. positive impact and influence that with a small and dedicated group I have had a wonderful time Warren’s has. I commend him and of volunteer trustees to provide and am hugely humbled when his team of expert coaches for help and support whenever it is reflecting on all the people I have their contribution to Welsh rugby. needed. It is a lifetime commitment met. However, I know that the we make to this unique group future of the game is in the safe “We have been of men and women, and I want hands of group of individuals blessed with a to thank all of them. I must also who care passionately about talented body pay tribute to our Patron, the Welsh rugby. And here I want Duke of Cambridge, who does to use my presidential privilege of individuals an enormous amount of work who have worked to commend Warren’s successor behind the scenes in raising Wayne Pivac who will, I am sure, together to create money for this cause. His efforts receive the same support afforded an outstanding alone have raised some £500,000 to his predecessor by an expectant work ethic that has which has enabled the Trust to nation in the years ahead. Equally, fund special vehicles, motorised he deserves the patience of the brought out the wheelchairs, home adaptations best in our players rugby watching public in order to and so much more in order to lead us into a new era of success. and moulded a enable independent living. Yours in gratitude and in sport national squad It is with great sadness that I that can compete would also like to pay tribute to with any team former WRU committee member anywhere in the and Pontypridd stalwart Sam world.” Simon, Welsh internationals Billy Mainwaring, Ken Braddock, Dennis Gethin OBE Garfield Owen and Hayden I have to make special mention President, The Welsh Rugby Union Mainwaring