A Club and Executive Board Update from Phil Miles

Ponty Rugby Ltd held a shareholders’ meeting at the Clubhouse on Tuesday evening 7th October, an event which reflected the unity of thought and purpose within the club, even in these difficult times.

In my reports to the meeting I gave an update on the club’s finances, our current status within the structure of the game in Wales, and our ambitions for the future. We have had to focus over the past few years, to some extent, on firefighting and resolving some on-going financial issues, but I feel we are now turning the corner, putting our house in order, helped by the expiry of some long-standing loans and the support of our sponsors and shareholders.

We are currently playing in the new Welsh Premiership, which was ring-fenced for three years when it was formed. It is still unclear what the outcome of the WRU consultation project will be, in terms of the number and the branding of the Regions, and the structure of the semi-pro and community game below that. Ideally our ambition would be to make a successful application to join ‘Super Rygbi Cymru’ but that would of course need to be reviewed in terms of the playing, coaching and financial implications, when the time comes to do so.

Stating the obvious – Pontypridd RFC is a rugby club and its business is playing rugby – we need regular fixtures in order to survive, and regular home fixtures to generate income. The start of this season has been tough in that context with only one home game during the first five weeks of the campaign. We will look to make the most of our home games to come, especially looking at the festive period with the derbies against Ystrad Rhondda and Beddau which should pull in bumper crowds. We need to turn those games into big community events that can profile our club.

The 3G playing surface at Sardis Road has been a major investment and a huge bonus for the club – we can more or less guarantee that fixtures will be played despite any bad weather. The pitch is in good condition and fit for purpose, following recent examinations, for the next six to eight years. In the longer term we will need to put plans in place, with our club partners, to replace and upgrade the playing surface when required. As we have resolved many other financial issues, we can focus fully on that when the time comes.

Ponty Rugby Ltd now has six executive directors, with Paul Marshall, David Mather, Mike Edwards and Brian Moreton, all with long standing connections with the club, joining myself and Mark Rhydderch Roberts on the board. The General Committee heads up a dedicated team of volunteers who ensure that the club continues to operate efficiently. The finest example of that voluntary commitment over many years has been Theresa Davies, who I’m proud to say was nominated for a Life Membership of the club by our shareholders.

We have a good relationship with our valued club partners and we have the best support in Wales. We can look to the future with optimism, whilst focused on meeting all the challenges that come our way.

Phil Miles – Ponty Rugby Ltd Executive Director

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