NEW patrons Simon Weston and David Watkins have helped celebrate the launch of the new-look Wales Rugby League

Every team taking part in this year's Picton Jones and Costley and Partners Welsh Conference were at the glittering launch in Cardiff today (Wednesday) as the new national team kit, logo and website were unveiled.

Wales Rugby League now has autonimous status and runs its own affairs after approval from the Rugby Football League. So today's launch was a celebration of a new era which chairman Mark Rowley acclaimed.

Rowley said: "This is a very exciting time for Rugby League in Wales with the formation of three new teams for the 2006 Welsh Conference season and the new Celtic Crusaders side doing well in National League Two.

"The additional teams now brings the total in the Welsh Conference to ten which are spread throughout South and West Wales and which are sending the message that the sport is growing fast.

"We are delighted to have had such a huge support at our launch and wish all teams well as they compete for the top place in the two regional divisions - East and West - which make up our competition.

"We are also delighted to have a new logo for Welsh rugby league, which is Cymru RL, it is a distinct brand for the new era.

"Our new title sponsors are also vital for the growth and development of the game in Wales. Without the support of such

companies, Wales Rugby League would not be able to survive on its own and, for that, we are hugely grateful to them.

"Such incentives as SportsMatch help in attracting these sponsors and give us the opportunity to plough even more money into grassroots development."

The new season kicks-off on Saturday May 20 with two matches in both the east and west divisions.

A week later, new club Blackwood Bulldogs, one of three teams debuting in this season's competition - the others are Pembroke Panthers, playing out of Tenby United RFC's ground, and West Wales Sharks, who are at New Docks Stars RUFC, Llanelli - host the Scott McRorie Nines. That is a tournament dedicated to the memory of the Aberavon Fighting Irish teenager who tragically died two years ago.

Also key to the new Wales Rugby League is an updated website, www.CymruRL.com, which has a large amount of information, facts, features and forums to keep rugby enthusiasts in Wales fully up to date. Weekend results, previews and reports will be added regularly.

Rowley added: "With the continued support from all who have got us to this position, and with the support from new partners, Wales Rugby League can only succeed in its mission to build a sustainable structure within Wales."

For further information, please contact Gavin Walker, Wales RL secretary, on 07743 847660.

Article by Gary Baker
26 April 2006