The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is restructuring the way in which it shares almost £2.84 million in funding the 276 community clubs in Wales.

In a move that has been described by the WRU as “for the first time” the money distributed for the 2026/27 season will take into account both off field and on field success, “in order to create quality, resilient, sustainable, and thriving clubs.”

The WRU hope to achieve this by providing “easily accessible” digital templates and online resources centred around meeting minimum operating standards.

In what the Union call a “major cultural shift”, the WRU have come upon this strategy after a “comprehensive” 12-month review of its current funding model.

The review, led by the WRU’s executive director of community, Geraint John, formed the basis of a national survey that visited all clubs, via the nine WRU Districts, to present the proposed model and gather feedback.

Target have been set of the WRU to achieve by 2030, including 95% of clubs establishing a Club Development Plan, to ensure financial stability, and a EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion) plan.

The third aim is for all the clubs to “maintain a rolling programme of self-assessment, which ensures they are well governed, culturally astute, modern and well run”.

The Union have also confirmed that the level of funding – currently £2.84 million – will remain at a “consistent” level.

“We are excited to confirm the introduction of a new, forward-looking funding structure for the community game,” said WRU Board member John Manders, who also chairs the WRU’s Community Game Board.

“It is important to note that the overall annual funding level for our clubs remains unchanged, but the new system will direct investment in a more transparent and equitable way rewarding best practice in our community game off the pitch as well as success on it.

“We believe this new model will transform club rugby and give many of our clubs the opportunity to apply for greater funding.

“The model is the result of months of collaboration and consultation with our clubs, and it is designed to secure a sustainable and accountable financial future for grassroots rugby throughout Wales.”

“The new model reflects the reality that our modern community rugby clubs must focus just as much on culture, inclusion and governance as they do on performance,” John added.

“We are rewarding those who are proactive in developing junior participation and community links, and who commit to building welcoming, well-run club environments. This is an essential part of future-proofing our clubs.”

A five-tier, off-field accreditation framework will be implemented, linking financial support to a club’s progress in areas such as safeguarding, inclusivity, workforce development and facility management.

A new ‘volunteer coordinator’ position will be recruited to support clubs with recruitment, retention, reward and recognition of volunteers within their local communities.

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