Hugh James advises Welsh Rugby Union on groundbreaking agreement to secure the future of Welsh Rugby
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Gareth Williams
Leading Welsh law firm
Hugh James has advised longstanding client the WRU on the
negotiation and formation of an operational roadmap designed to
strengthen regional rugby and build on the recent successes of the
national team.
The agreement marks the
conclusion of a long running debate between the WRU and the four
regions about the release of players for international matches and
the funding allocated by the Union for the development of regional
squads. A case between the regions and the WRU over the release of
players for the match on the 7th November between Wales and New
Zealand was due to be heard at the High Court on Wednesday
but a united effort by all parties to produce a clear and balanced
charter ensured a constructive resolution was reached without the
need for trial. Key points in the agreement include:
- Funding for all four regions is significantly
enhanced
- Regional players will be released for up to
13 international matches per year with the necessary pre-match
preparation
- Every regional match squad will include on
average at least 17 Welsh qualified players
Hugh James has advised
the WRU for some 17 years on numerous legal issues including the
construction of the Millennium Stadium and a broad range of
commercial agreements and disputes. A team led by Gareth Williams,
Senior Partner and Gerallt Jones, Head of Corporate advised on the
negotiation of the participation agreement and on the
litigation.
Roger Lewis, Chief
Executive of the WRU said:
“I am extremely
grateful for the professionalism, expertise and dedication Hugh
James demonstrated throughout the negotiation of this historic
agreement. Their contribution was instrumental in helping us get
the deal over the line. Their guidance throughout the protracted
and sometimes difficult negotiations was invaluable and is greatly
appreciated by me and the whole of the WRU team."
Gareth Williams, Senior
Partner at Hugh James said:
“We are delighted to
have assisted the WRU in establishing this arrangement to safeguard
the interests of our national sport and ensure Wales sits at the
top table of world rugby for many years to come. As a firm we are
committed to helping the WRU achieve its commercial and sporting
goals and we are confident that this landmark agreement will allow
them to prosper on both fronts."
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Joe Purcell
Business Development Manager,
E joe.purcell@hughjames.com
T 029 2039 1061
