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| Double Delight for Wales Rugby League | ||
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Wales Rugby League are celebrating a double coup this week, after securing the services of national coach Martin Hall for another year, and being officially recognised as a National Governing Body for Sport in Wales. Over the last year the Sports Council for Wales has been keeping a keen eye on the organisation whilst on probation as a Governing Body, before a full submission of the constitution and development plans were required to be submitted for consideration by the Sports Council Committee on Monday afternoon. The result of the meeting was a very positive one, with the Sport Council Committee agreeing that Wales Rugby League had suitable systems in place to be considered a fully fledged National Governing Body for Sport in Wales alongside such names as the WRU and FAW. This now opens up many doors for Rugby League in Wales, and Executive Chairman Mark Rowley was delighted: “This is great news for the sport in Wales. Now we can really look to the future, taking Rugby League in Wales to new levels with the added support that being a National Governing Body brings. “We are hoping to secure additional funding to employ another Development Officer to work along side our existing officer, Wayne Williams, to continue the rapid growth of Rugby League in Wales over the coming years.” With a World Cup fast approaching in Australia in 2008, the timing could not be better, as an expanded conference league kicks off on the 20 May, and with more and more schools taking up the game in Wales, the potential for further growth is huge.
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More good news followed, as Martin Hall, the coach that took Wales to the final of the European Nations Cup in November, was officially appointed Head Coach for another year. A former Welsh International, Martin has the interests of Wales very close to his heart, and was overjoyed to have his contract extended for another year. “This is a great time for Rugby League in Wales, and I intend to ensure that we will be competitive at all competitions by scouring the world for Welsh qualified players, to compliment the existing crop of talent we have!” “It is vital over the next two years that we have a talented and stable squad to select from for the World Cup. With continued development of the players playing with Wales through the conference and the Celtic Crusaders, coupled with professional players from around the world, there is no reason why a proud sporting nation like Wales cannot be competitive at the highest level.” Speaking of the appointment, Wales Rugby League President, Mike Nicholas, said: “To have a man of Martin’s calibre coaching the national side is a great boost to all of Rugby League in Wales, and hopefully he can bring out the best in the National side once again, and take them a step further in this years European Nations Cup, and beyond!” The full Welsh Coaching Team will be announced on Sunday the 4 June at the double header of the Bridgend Blue Bulls Vs Swansea Valley Miners in the Picton Jones and Costley and Partners Premier Welsh Conference followed by the Celtic Crusaders Vs the Keighley Cougars in National League 2, to be played at Maesteg RFC. The first game kicks off at 12:00. Following this most recent double boost to Rugby League in Wales, and the grand re-launch in April, the Sport is certainly on the up, and can only become stronger from this stable base it currently stands on. Article by Gavin Walker
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