Welsh Rugby

Part of 4. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:22 pm on 6 March 2019.

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Photo of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas Independent 3:22, 6 March 2019

No, those were very much personal thoughts. Also, it's an obvious personal thought of mine that I would like to see professional rugby in the north of Wales, and have wished to see that happen for many years. I'm now having to be at arm's length from myself and that particular view, but that will be no surprise to you. But what I would say is that there has been no discussion, but there has been very close involvement by our senior officials in ensuring that we were fully informed of the implications of what the Welsh Rugby Union is discussing. But, obviously, there would have to be a—. We have had a discussion, I should say, with Nigel Short of the pro rugby board and others, so we are aware of their intentions, but it's not at this stage that Welsh Government would be involved in any of the consequences. But I think, as I indicated in the earlier discussion, there might be a call on our resources, as we have done in the past, for investing in infrastructure in areas that would benefit from that in order to develop not just rugby but other sports. For example, we have invested substantially, as I indicated, in 3G facilities and in all-weather pitches in the north, and we've done it in Wrexham as well as in Eirias Park.