Rugby: WRU unveil Parc Eirias as home of North Wales rugby

Dec 11 2008 By Tim Channon

THE WELSH Rugby Union yesterday (Wednesday) officially unveiled Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay as the home venue for the Gogledd Cymru North Wales regional team.

The ultimate aim now is for the elite regional team to progress to a stage where they can eventually represent North Wales in the WRU Premiership and bring regular top class rugby to Colwyn Bay.

The WRU have been working with Conwy county borough council and the North Wales Rugby council for some time on the project and WRU chairman David Pickering said yesterday: "This is a very exciting day for us all and a major stepping stone in the development of rugby in North Wales.

"I must congratulate Conwy county borough council as their support in this venture has been exemplary."

WRU President Dennis Gethin said: "North Wales is an untapped source for Welsh rugby and we are all very excited about the initiative that has been started here.

"North Wales has a proud history of developing great players like Robin McBryde, the Moore brothers and the likes of Dewi Bebb, and I am now confident that heritage is in safe hands."

Conwy council leader Cllr Dilwyn Roberts said: "We are very proud of the facility we have at Parc Eirias and we believe that bringing high profile rugby to the area will inspire and encourage youngsters not only in Conwy but across North Wales.

"We’re planning to work closely with the other North Wales authorities to ensure that any regeneration an economic opportunities that rise from this scheme can benefit the whole region."

Future plans for the stadium are believed to include bidding for grant aid to build new dressing rooms and a roof over the open terracing on the Abergele Road side of the stadium.

Kenton Morgan who is team manager of Gogledd Cymru, said: "This is a momentous day for North Wales rugby; it is a dream."

He recognised a lot of work still has to be done for the team to reach the heights they hope to reach, but had this confident warning to Welsh Rugby: "Watch out; The Gogs are coming!"