An update from the Executive Board following the AGM
An update from the Executive Board following the AGM
The senior team is the reason why the Club exists. All efforts off the field are designed to optimise the resources they have to remain competitive. We aim to continue to be one of the leading Clubs within Welsh rugby and remain rooted in the heart of our community. We do not have a Region or benefactor to underpin our playing squad but as a members’ club we are an independent entity and business, and can therefore make our own decisions.
The Club had been losing money for several years and was still facing severe challenges at the start of the Pandemic. Since then, our primary aim has been to stabilise the Club’s finances and completely overhaul our reporting and monitoring systems. This has been largely achieved, recording a small operating surplus for 2021 & 2022. Given the current economic outlook and the turmoil in Rugby generally (both financial and strategic), the next few years will be challenging. Costs are under severe pressure, not least because of the energy crisis, high inflation and rising interest rates. The Executive Board will take whatever measures are needed to ensure the viability and solvency of the Club.
The continuing unstable financial framework for Pro and Semi Pro rugby remains a significant challenge to our operation and development. We will continue to work with the WRU and fellow Premiership Clubs to ensure the best possible future for the Premiership and to develop the game at all levels. We also continue to be supportive of any plans to develop an Anglo Welsh competition.
A key strategic aim is to enhance the position of PRFC and Sardis Road in Welsh Rugby. The renewed and closer links with the Minis and Juniors, Youth, Pontypridd Schools, USW and Coleg y Cymoedd are vital in this regard. Women’s Rugby is a major growth area and we are pleased the Regional U18s team is also now utilising Sardis Road. All these are elements that will contribute to the Club’s future sustainability. It is also imperative we bring younger people back to Sardis Road and we will work to reach out to the community and create new partnerships and initiatives.
On the operational side, much has been achieved over the last 2 years with more to do. One of our major assets is our stadium. However, it is 50 years old and in need of significant upgrading and maintenance. As part of our ongoing infrastructure program, we have installed new state of the art LED floodlights which are 40% more energy efficient than our previous ones. This was a vital improvement to ensure Sardis Road remains capable of hosting top level rugby. The help of the WRU in funding and implementing this project was invaluable. A much needed upgrade of the changing rooms is also underway. Plans have been drawn up but the work is on hold due to the increase in building costs. We are currently exploring funding options.
We remain committed to achieving the highest standards of Corporate Governance within the framework of strategy, risk management, controls and processes. These areas are integral to our culture, values and integrity. Everything the Club has achieved over the last few years has only been possible with the unstinting dedication and commitment of our members and supporters, our volunteers, our sponsors and our Director of Rugby and his Coaching team. We remain confident that despite the inevitable challenges that lie ahead, the future for our Club remains strong.
