Former Welsh Secretary and ex-Caerphilly County Borough councillor Ron Davies has been unveiled as Bedwas RFC’s new commercial manager.
Mr Davies, who lost his Bedwas, Machen and Trethomas seat in May’s local election, has been tasked with maximising the resources of the club and developing local community relationships.
The Premiership side have been confirmed as one of the twelve teams in the new look Premiership next season and have also earned a place in the British and Irish cup.
Mr Davies said:“Bedwas are uniquely poised to create a new chapter in an already impressive rugby history. The club is truly community based with a fantastic commitment both on and off the field.
“Going back to my roots and helping to champion excellence in a game which means so much to us is an amazing opportunity. To achieve success we must mobilise the whole of the rugby community in the Valley who want to see a local, winning Premiership side and I want to help to do that.”
Chairman of Bedwas RFC Mark Lewis added: “We are delighted to make this appointment not only because Ron Davies has a fantastic profile, but also he will bring a considerable level of professionalism from a commercial and administration perspective.
“Bedwas RFC are playing at the highest level of club rugby in Wales and we want to encourage the community back to our club and develop the local talent through a rugby pathway which begins at junior club level.
“There are much higher demands on clubs at premiership level these days and if we are going to compete on the field we need to be a financially viable business.”
Ron may now build on the huge ( Undisclosed ) financial grant the Former Plaid Cymru Caerphilly council awarded to this sports club when they had control of the public purse in Caerphilly.
It follows that a person with Ron`s knowledge of the workings of government, both central and local, will no doubt use that knowledge to benefit this club. A very shrewd move on the part of Mark Lewis and his committee.
In the interests of accuracy…
Caerphilly County Borough Council, under the control of Plaid Cymru, loaned Bedwas RFC £200,000.
This was reported by Caerphilly Observer on November 7, 2011.
Richard Gurner
Editor
Blimey, this looks interesting! I wonder if Ron will move as quickly between rugby clubs as he has with political parties? All depends if they’re winning, I suppose.
Let’s be honest. Bedwas is a small village, the only reason it’s still in the premiership is down to Caerphilly’s downfall. Caerphilly RFC will probably grow over the next few seasons now.
So the Plaid pet has been re-homed, all without appeals and promises of purring. Maybe he could become the club mascot…
I suppose Ron reincarnation has nothing to do with his role as the former regeneration cabinet member in his CCBC