The WRL celebrated the launch of a new era at every level of the sport after being granted autonomous status last year which was put into action on New Year's Day.
Now, with the Welsh Conference boosted to ten teams, split into five team East Wales and West Wales regions, plus the multitude of grassroots rugby league played at schools and within the youth and development structures, the sport is looking bright for the future.
The WRL also have also linked with charities the Wooden Spoon Society and the Weston Spirit.
The new-look WRL was officially launched at a glittering occasion last month at the brand new Senedd, National Assembly for Wales Debating Chamber, opened by Her Majesty The Queen earlier this year.
And the WRL had the honour of being the first sport of any kind to hold their launch at the new multi-million pounds building.
Former Salford and Great Britain legend David Watkins MBE was joined by Falklands War hero Simon Weston OBE and Member of the National Assembly for Wales Janet Ryder as the three new Patrons.
Mr Watkins, who captained Great Britain during his days in the 13-a-side code, said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to become a Patron of the Welsh Rugby League and I shall take the time and trouble to get involved as much as I can.
"The Rugby League product in Wales is now very good and the organisation of very good as well and that all bodes well for the future."
Mr Weston has enjoyed watching rugby league in the north of England, having lived in Liverpool for a while and said: "I think it's fantastic that rugby league has come to Wales and it looks like it will be here to stay.
"People have not rushed things and it has been four years in the building from the
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bottom up which gives it firm foundations. I hope this will go from strength to strength."
Mrs Ryder said she was honoured to be asked to be a Patron of the self-governing WRL, adding: "Rugby League is a growing game in Wales. It is great that, now in Wales, we have our own governing body and hopefully we will see the game grow even more.
"In the last year, 24 secondary schools have started to teach rugby league and they are supported by professional players from the Celtic Crusaders in Bridgend. This is an excellent initiative that sports professionals are going into schools to work with young people and develop their sports.
"In England, this type of outreach work has happened for a number of years and it is great to see it occurring in Wales.
"We must build on the successful foundations of the game, so every child can have a chance to play this great sport. I am very excited, and honoured to be a patron."
This year witnesses many changes with the WRL in addition to their newly-acquired autonomous status. The formation of the Celtic Crusaders where they play in National League Two, the first semi-professional side in Wales for ten years and the incentives of international rugby in the Four Nations and European Nations Cups will provide incentives for players to become involved.
Mark Rowley, the WRL chairman, said: "It was always the intention of us involved in rugby league in Wales to have a firm foundation at grassroots in the sport, aimed at building upwards.
"That is why, for the first time in Welsh Rugby League, a young player can now play for his school, go to the youth structure of his club, play for the senior team and then, in the future, maybe become a Welsh senior international. That is what this is all about, developing those players for the future that will go on to become the next Keiron Cunningham’s, Jonathan Davies' and Lee Briers’ who will represent their country at both Welsh and Great Britain level.
"In the last year, the game has emerged in 24 secondary schools in Wales. We are delighted as the Wales Rugby League board that David Watkins, Simon Weston and Janet Ryder have kindly agreed to become patrons of the Welsh Rugby League and we are proud and privileged to welcome them into our fold."
Article by Gary Baker
31 March 2006
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