The annual audit and assessment of all clubs wishing to participate in next season’s Principality Premiership and British & Irish Cup has been completed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The criteria system was introduced in season 2005/6 to ensure Welsh rugby continues to drive forward the way clubs are run, players and coaches are developed and to ensure a high standard of facilities are provided for all players and spectators across the semi-professional game.
The checks are carried out to ensure that all clubs qualified to play in the Principality Premiership satisfy an agreed set of criteria which covers areas such as finances and administration, regulatory compliance, rugby development programmes and ground facilities.
All clubs within the Premiership have to achieve the agreed criteria and all SWALEC Division One clubs seeking promotion are also measured by the same standards.
Clubs involved in the process have now been informed of the result of the WRU audit.
All 14 of the current Principality Premiership clubs achieved the Premiership criteria standards. They are: Aberavon, Bedwas, Cardiff, Carmarthen Quins, Cross Keys, Tonmawr, Glamorgan Wanderers, Llandovery, Llanelli, Neath, Newport, Pontypool, Pontypridd and Swansea.
The First Division clubs that applied for qualification and passed the criteria are: Ebbw Vale and Newbridge from SWALEC Division One East and Bridgend Ravens from Division One West.
The Criteria is split into a higher and standard level, allowing Clubs to opt to be audited against the requirements of an A or B Licence respectively.
Those Clubs looking to achieve a place in next seasons British & Irish Cup had to achieve the higher standard of criteria, and this year the newly introduced A Licence has been awarded to ten of the Premiership Clubs – Aberavon, Cardiff, Cross Keys, Tonmawr, Llandovery, Llanelli, Neath, Newport, Pontypridd and Swansea.
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development Joe Lydon said: “This announcement again recognises not only the hard work that exists across throughout the game in Wales but also the ambition of those clubs to raise the standards both on and off the field.
“All clubs from outside and within the Premiership who have successfully passed the criteria should be congratulated and all associated with Welsh rugby can look forward with confidence knowing that great strides are being made to ensure the standards and performance of the Principality Premiership are being raised both on and off the pitch.
“Now in its second season, The British & Irish Cup has provided the Welsh clubs the challenge of cross border competition, and has been met with a huge amount of enthusiasm from players, coaches and supporters alike.”
This season has seen the Premiership clubs step up to the challenge of the competition with two of clubs gaining quarter-final places, and Pontypridd earning a home semi-final against English rivals Bristol on the weekend of the 23 April 2011.
Chris Clarke, spokesperson for the Premier clubs, said: “The Premier clubs fully support the WRU and the drive to maintain and enhance the administration and facilities of Premiership clubs in Wales.
“This has been demonstrated by the considerable expenditure and investment of some clubs to advance those standards for sponsors, members and visitors to enjoy rugby at Premiership grounds.
“The Premier Clubs are delighted to be involved in a cross-border competition and those not involved this season are fighting to gain a place for next term, which in itself provides added interest and bite to the Premiership. The clubs have benefitted from that experience and understand the higher standards required in hosting cross-border teams, supporters, media and commercial partners.”
