May 07, 2025 - 790 views
The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed disappointment to the Welsh Rugby Union over moving the Under 20s Six Nations games away from North Wales.
Mr. Millar along with Gareth Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport, met with senior officials at the Welsh Rugby Union and raised their concerns over the move.
The politicians urged the WRU to reconsider and highlighted the benefits of having games in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.
Speaking after the visit, Darren said: “Parc Eirias is a fantastic venue for international matches and people from across North Wales loved being able to watch the Under20s games on their doorstep.
“With so many things happening in the south, it was a rare treat to have these live games here in the north. Last year’s news about them moving back to the south was therefore a devastating blow to the area.
“At last week’s meeting Gareth and I spoke of the many benefits having the games at Parc Eirias brought to North Wales and urged them to look at their decision again.
“As well as promoting the great game in North Wales, having the matches in Colwyn Bay was hugely advantageous to the local economy.
“We certainly made the case for returning the games to the north and I am grateful to the WRU for agreeing to meet with us and listening to our concerns. I hope they now go away and carefully consider the concerns we raised.”
Gareth said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with senior officials from the Welsh Rugby Union with the Welsh Conservative Leader, Darren Millar MS to discuss issues facing the provision of live rugby in North Wales.
“I’m disappointed that the WRU have stopped live U20’s Six Nations games being played at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay and hosting them in Cardiff instead.
“The game of rugby is in our DNA in Wales, and people in North Wales should have access to live international rugby on their doorstep as was previously the case. I call on the WRU to change their minds on this matter and encourage local authorities across North Wales to take an interest in supporting such efforts.”
