Gareth Davies, Member of the Senedd for the Vale of Clwyd, has today called for a statement in the chamber from the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism over the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to move two of the Under 20 rugby union fixtures to Cardiff, which have historically been played in North Wales.
Both the Wales v France and Wales v Italy U20 Six Nations fixtures are being played at the Cardiff Arms Park Stadium, with the Wales v Scotland game on Friday 2nd February having been played in Colwyn Bay. This is the first time since 2012 that Wales are making a Championship appearance in Cardiff since playing Scotland in 2012.
Mr Davies commented on WRU’s decision, saying:
“The Welsh six nations under-20s matches have historically been played in North Wales and enjoyed by many people in the local area for well over a decade. For some people, it's the only opportunity for them to see live international rugby in their local area.
“I have called on a statement from the Welsh Government this afternoon to ascertain what discussions they have had with the WRU over this decision, and to ask the WRU what plans they have to diversify its sporting offer so that people in North Wales do not lose out.”
Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths MS responded by saying:
“This was a decision taken by the WRU. I think it was the wrong decision.
“I will certainly ask the Deputy Minister if she or her officials had any discussions prior to the WRU making that decision. If not, as north Wales Minister I will write to the WRU and see how they came to make that decision.”
ENDS.
