THE BLUES WAY STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY ’ CAPITAL REGION

FOREWORD

At we know our people are our greatest strength. Whether that is our players and coaches, our supporters and sponsors, or our excellent workforce, we are all part of the same Cardiff Blues family and we are stronger together.

We are custodians of a global brand with an unrivalled Cardiff Blues family, what we stand for and what history and a future with unlimited potential. drives us to succeed every day.

There are more than 200 passionate people, working Welcome to the Cardiff Blues family. right across our business with a relentless shared desire to succeed.

Everything we do is geared towards that and underpinned by our cultural values – Respect, Passion and Family. Every decision we make is focused on fulfilling and exceeding our strategy. Alun Jones Richard Holland Chairman Chief Executive Officer In this strategy document we will illustrate clearly and concisely what it means to be part of the

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 3 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION OUR STORY

Cardiff Blues is one of the four professional regions introduced to Welsh rugby in 2003 and competes in Europe’s top competitions.

While Cardiff Blues was formed as a region in The region originally encompassed Cardiff and 2003, the team’s history can be traced back to the the Vale of , but following the demise late 1800s. of the in 2004, proudly took on responsibility for a wider area that included In 1876, Cardiff Club was created , Merthyr and . following an amalgamation between Cardiff Wanderers and the Glamorgan Football Club. The Cardiff Blues region currently represents five During the next 127 years, the Blue & Blacks became unitary authorities (Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, universally acknowledged as one of the world’s most Merthyr, Powys and the ) and successful, and subsequently famous, sides. 76 clubs, including Cardiff, Merthyr and in the Welsh Premiership. Playing at , they claimed victories 2003 76 3 over major touring teams, including Australia, New Cardiff Blues remains proud of its heritage as Zealand and South Africa, and achieved numerous well as the wider area it now represents, the Cardiff Blues Proudly represents 5 European Challenge Cup was created unitary authorities and winners (2010 & 2018), national honours. many renowned clubs within it and their own 76 clubs Anglo-Welsh Cup (2009) unique achievements. With the advent of regional rugby in 2003, Cardiff RFC was granted its own region and Cardiff Blues was During the regional era Cardiff Blues have twice created as the new professional side at Cardiff Arms won the European Challenge Cup (2010 and 2018), 50+ 9 Park. Cardiff RFC continues as a semi-professional side and the Anglo-Welsh Cup (2009). in the Welsh Premiership. Welsh Internationals British & Irish Lions since 2003 since 2003

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 5 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION OUR VALUES

RESPECT PASSION FAMILY

FAMILY OUR VALUES RESPECT We respect each other, our We are passionate about everything we We are ALL part of the Cardiff Blues workplace, our heritage and the region do, the badge we wear and the people we family. we represent. represent.

• We are consistent • We are positive at all times • We care for and look after each other • We are on time • We strive to be the best in everything we do • We are open, honest and accountable • We are self-reliant • We celebrate our heritage and embrace • We are inclusive in all that we do • We preserve and enhance all environments our region • We share our highs and lows PASSION • We are welcoming to all • We share our love of rugby • We enjoy each other’s company • We treat everyone with honesty, humility • We embrace all of our responsibilities and integrity and duties

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 7 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY

UNITE & ENGAGE COLLABORATE WITH DELIVER SHARE OUR DEVELOP OUR TALENT WITH OUR REGION OUR PARTNERS SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS

We will continue We will continually strive We will continue the We will deliver We will invest in our most engagement with our to add value to our development of players sustainability by creating important asset – our clubs, schools, colleges commercial partners, into the academy with a virtuous circle – people – and create the and universities, while leverage our global a constant stream of realising the commercial best possible environments forging stronger links with brand for the benefit of players graduating into opportunities within to ensure every member our Premiership clubs. charitable causes and the Cardiff Blues senior this region, which will of the Cardiff Blues family By building upon develop, improve and squad and achieving increase our revenue can fulfil and exceed their our robust links with enhance our thriving Wales honours. We will streams, allowing us to potential. We will enhance supporters throughout Community Foundation. develop coaches and invest in our people and and improve our facilities our region we aim to We will support and assist staff and promote from facilities, which will in to offer the best possible make everyone proud. the Professional Rugby within when possible. turn, assist us in fulfiling match-day experience and Board to ensure the best our playing objectives. ensure all supporters have for the entire professional the opportunity to share in game in Wales. our success.

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 9 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY OBJECTIVES

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 11 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY COMMERCIAL TO IDENTIFY AND MAXIMISE ALL COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND LEVERAGE THE CARDIFF BLUES GLOBAL BRAND

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• Achieve all commercial targets by maximising • Ensure the highest possible partner retention rate, all opportunities to enable sustainable growth building sustainable, long term partnerships in revenue • Engage with more businesses north of the M4, while • Leverage our global brand and capital city status targeting and international brands

• Build and maintain innovative, long term, • Develop regular competitor analysis to identify outcome-focussed partnerships new opportunities

• Fully utilise the contacts of Cardiff Blues directors

• Proactively deliver into Business Management Board initiatives and establish programmes to ensure Cardiff Arms Park is fully utilised for all Principality Stadium events

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 13 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY COMMUNITY USE THE POWER AND VALUES OF SPORT TO INSPIRE, ENGAGE AND IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• Build and develop strong school and club • Develop and deliver sustainable, innovative, relationships inclusive and high-quality programmes, engaging more people, more often throughout the whole • Utilise the Cardiff Blues brand, players, values region irrespective of age, ability or gender and heritage to harness social good and make a positive impact in communities both socially and • Establish area officers for higher impact and offer economically all the opportunity to engage with the Cardiff Blues brand

• Continue to grow a successful sustainable and • Work with WRU to strengthen and improve foundation which will service the whole region our schools and clubs through high quality rugby provision

• Work in conjunction with commercial partners, public sector bodies and third sector agencies to create a successful, sustainable Foundation

• Use rugby to improve and support four main strands – health, education, employability and inclusion

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 15 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY FINANCE TO DELIVER A SUSTAINABLE CARDIFF BLUES LIMITED

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• Create a framework that measures and analyses • Long-term financial forecast and plan performance to ensure our strategic goals and • Monthly financial performance reporting and KPIs operations are fully aligned

• Financial milestones aligned to strategic plan • To ensure effective controls and procedures are

in place to deliver timely, accurate and meaningful • Regular review of reporting focus to mitigate financial information identified risks

• To create an environment where financial analysis • Vigilant adherence to internal controls is used to support all opportunities to maximise our true potential

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 17 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY GOVERNANCE TO PROVIDE HIGH STANDARDS OF STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACROSS ALL ASPECTS OF CARDIFF BLUES LIMITED

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• To ensure the governance framework of Cardiff • Monitor and review company structures and roles Blues is always fit for purpose and reflective of to ensure effective and efficient governance Sport Wales guidelines • Ensure that the necessary operational resources are in • To develop values, policies and procedures that place to meet agreed strategic planning objectives ensure accountability and transparency across the entire business • Implement and monitor effective policies for appraising board, management and employee performance • To develop, monitor and evolve a clear strategic plan to promote the sustainable success of the • Review policies and procedures to ensure compliance business with requirements of governance best practice and applicable regulations • To act in accordance with relevant regulations and legislation, the Professional Rugby Agreement and • Implement effective management reporting to measure operational performance across the business in the best interests of Cardiff Blues Limited • Establish an effective framework for risk oversight and management

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 19 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS TO ENGAGE ALL KEY STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• To grow attendances and ticket income at Cardiff • Continue and enhance the production of top-class content Arms Park with the ultimate aim of consistently • Build upon marketing database selling out the existing facility and increasing

general visitor numbers • Grow digital audiences and attract new audiences

• To develop and engage with new audiences with • Improve customer experience at CAP an emphasis on digital platforms • Add value across memberships • To effectively and positively promote all aspects of Cardiff Blues • Continue and expand our use of

• Establish a supporters advisory group

• Regular market analysis to identify further opportunities

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 21 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY OPERATIONS TO DELIVER COMPLIANT AND ENJOYABLE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL AT CARDIFF ARMS PARK AND OTHER FACILITIES UTILISED BY CARDIFF BLUES

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• Deliver exceptional matchday experience • Maintain existing facilities to maximise all opportunities and deliver best possible experience • Maximise every opportunity to increase revenue • Evolve appropriate operational processes in line with • Create a safe and sustainable environment for all changing requirements, regulations and legislation through effective processes • Implement orientation programme and clear development • Develop world class rugby facilities for all pathway for all customer facing employees

• Endeavour to maintain and improve facilities to enable professional rugby to thrive

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 23 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY RUGBY TO WIN MATCHES. TO MAKE OUR REGION PROUD AND INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS THROUGH SUSTAINED SUCCESS

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• To consistently challenge in all competitions in • Increased investment in playing resources and facilities which we participate • Enhanced succession planning and talent identification • Develop talent (both players and coaches) for in line with the joint Rugby Management Board Cardiff Blues and Wales • Continually maintain and develop first-class coaches to maximise player potential and deliver success • To represent our region, brand and heritage with

the utmost respect, making all of our people • Develop leadership-enhancing programmes proud

• To ensure Cardiff Blues continues to be a leader in player and family welfare provision and career support

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 25 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY RUGBY DEVELOPMENT TO IDENTIFY, NURTURE AND DELIVER FUTURE TALENT FOR CARDIFF BLUES AND WALES

OBJECTIVES ACTIONS

• Develop players into academy system with • Improve development programmes and provision constant stream graduating to senior contracts of coaching

• Develop coaches and staff while promoting • Invest, maintain and enhance high performance from within facilities for all within Cardiff Blues rugby programmes

• Deliver holistic development programme to • Develop a competitive and thriving schools programme equip all within our pathway for life both on • Maintain and strengthen relationships with Premiership and off the pitch clubs and all within our pathway through Cardiff Blues Pathway Rugby Management Board

• Collaborate with Welsh Rugby Players Association and our commercial partners to ensure all academy members are engaged in an educational or vocational programme

THE CARDIFF BLUES WAY 27 WALES’ CAPITAL REGION