THE management of Rygbi Gogledd Cymru has appealed to north Wales rugby clubs to put forward their best players for consideration for the regional team.

Marc Roberts, RGC Rugby Manager, stated in a letter to clubs that having a North Wales team in the Welsh Premiership depended on the clubs’ support.

“A North Wales team in the Welsh Premiership is testimony to the hard work and support of so many, the strength and passion of rugby in north Wales and the potential for continued development and growth of across the region,” he said.

“The role of the north Wales clubs in the success of RGC cannot, and is not underestimated by any of us.

“The run in at the end of last season was tense, but RGC gained promotion to the Premiership on a massive wave of support from the whole of North Wales.

“RGC started pre-season training on 20 June, with things progressing well, and like all clubs are now looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of the forthcoming season.”

Joe Lydon has been appointed by the WRU as a consultant to help with RGC squad retention, as well as the recruitment, and the appointment of a new Head Coach and support team for next season and beyond.

If all things continue to go to plan, the WRU are looking to make an announcement on both the RGC Head coach and General Manager within the next few weeks, well ahead of the new season opener away to Bridgend on 3 September.

Roberts added: “RGC’s guiding principal and priority is to continue to ensure there is a strong nucleus of north Wales personnel across all areas of resource.

“The core of the team are players from north Wales clubs, and as such the clubs have and continue to play a vital role in developing and sustaining rugby in north Wales. The clubs’ role in supporting this principle is appreciated and vital.”

He continued: “During the latter part of last season, David Yates from Bala RFC and Rhys Williams from Bethesda RFC, joined the squad, and both are now established within the squad.

“We know that coaches are developing players to the highest standards, and we hope that the opportunity for some to be able play in the Premiership will also inspire them accordingly.

“We want our partnership with clubs to be mutually beneficial, where the permit of players, to and from RGC and clubs, the support of coaching staff, and the sharing of resources becomes established as the norm.”

With the above in mind RGC has asked all the north Wales clubs to look at their squads in the hope of receiving nominations of any players who it is felt would benefit from the opportunity to be a part of the RGC squad for a part or all of the coming season.It would start with attendance during the remainder of pre-season, which includes warm up fixtures against Chester RUFC (Friday, 19 August) and Worcester Warriors (Wednesday, 24 August).

RGC would also especially like to include players from north Wales clubs in the RGC Sevens side competing in the Fosters Premiership Sevens Tournament at Cardiff Arms Park on 28 August. Marc Robers’ contact details are: [email protected]s / mobile 07843 367203.