A date of major significance in ancient Welsh history has been revived to form the new name and emblem for the reshaped North Wales development team.
The team, previously known as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, will now be called RGC 1404 which will be emblazoned on a heraldic badge above a golden Welsh dragon alongside an ornate celtic graphic within a knight’s shield.
1404 is the year when Owain Glyndwr was crowned Welsh Prince at Machynlleth and led his Welsh army and supporters under the golden dragon standard.
Now these landmarks from history are being revived to spearhead the RGC 1404 campaign to become a new and powerful force in the representative game.
The newly designed branding is being launched today (Tuesday 5 January) along with details of RGC 1404’s finalised fixture list which kicks off in mid-January 2010.
Ten fixtures have been confirmed for the team starting on Friday 15th January when RGC 1404 take on a Leicester Tigers Development XV at their new home ground in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. Other fixtures are still to be added to the schedule.
The team’s golden dragon standard will be raised above their new home base for the first fixture to be played by the relaunched side.
The WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: “We are delighted with the new branding which the players, supporters and officials can wear with pride.
“RGC 1404 signifies the focus to raise the profile and development of rugby across the whole of North Wales and provides an opportunity for the whole region to unite and support that focus.
“The people of North Wales have already proved they have a hunger for top class rugby and this branding proves we want to engage with their hopes and aspirations for the team.”
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “Rugby is our national sport here in Wales and it is fitting that our aims for the future are closely linked to our history and heritage off the field as well.”
“Amongst other things rugby is about dedication, loyalty, and honour which are all symbolised in the life story of Owain Glyndwr.
RGC 1404 Head Coach Clive Griffiths said: “We have an exciting fixture list to kick off a new era of north Wales rugby. We have had a great level of cooperation from Premiership clubs in England and Welsh clubs and Regions. The quality of opposition will enable players from north and south Wales along with the Canadians in the squad to challenge themselves against full time and semi-professional players.
“It’s important the players gel as a team under one identity. RGC 1404 will provide that identity and with continued support from the north Wales public, I’m sure that brand will grow year on year.”
WRU Board representative for North Wales, Peredur Jenkins, said: “The new branding of the Gogledd Cymru team – RGC 1404 – heralds a new era for rugby in north Wales – an exciting and innovative development in Welsh rugby.
“Our aim is to give young talented players in north Wales, the chance to develop to their potential within their own area, and to give the people of north Wales high quality rugby on their doorstep.
“I appeal to everyone across north Wales to attend the matches at Parc Eirias to support our own representative team.”
Kenton Morgan, chair, CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru said: “Gogledd Cymru has become more than just a team. It also represents the culture of the north Wales region. RGC 1404 was commissioned to make the brand more accessible to supporters from all over the region but the aspirations of Gogledd Cymru remain the same – to provide supporters and players in north Wales with access to high quality rugby.”
The RGC 1404 team has already unveiled former Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths as its new Head Coach and announced that ten Canadian international players will arrive next month to bolster the competitive standard of the squad.
The WRU link up with Canadian rugby will involve hosting the players while reducing their numbers as the new National Academy structure in North Wales gradually develops more local players to take their places.
The new logo for RGC 1404 has been designed by Worldspan of Abergele after being commissioned by the WRU.
Today RGC 1404 can confirm ten fixtures for the forthcoming season with all home games to be played at Parc Eirias.
RGC 1404 fixtures 2010:
Friday 15 Jan v Leicester Tigers Development XV Parc Eirias
Wed 20 Jan v Antiassassins (Chester) away
Sat 30 Jan v Glamorgan Wanderers away
2 / 3 Feb v Scarlets, Llandovery RFC
Wed 17 Feb v Worcester Parc Eirias
Wed 23 Feb v Sale Jets Parc Eirias
Wed 10 March v Leeds Parc Eirias
Fri 19 March v Oxford University Parc Eirias
Sat 17 April v Cross Keys Parc Eirias
23/24 April v Dragons, Parc Eirias
