WRU announce £2.5m investment into Welsh rugby

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a £2.5m investment into a range of initiatives to improve rugby across all levels in Wales.

The WRU has seen increased financial stability following Welsh success in the Six Nations tournament, which the team has won in both 2012 and 2013.

The funding is in addition to the already budgeted activity in Wales as part of a five-year rolling business plan by the WRU.

The £2.5m investment will be split three ways. Community rugby will receive £1.3m, regional rugby will receive £1m and international rugby will receive a further £200,000.

The two largests initiatives to be funded are a £300,000 website scheme to assist member clubs and a facilities grant of £800,000. The grant will mean WRU clubs at all levels will be able to apply for grants of £5,000, £10,000, or £50,000 to fund improvements of their facilities.

The £1m investment into regional rugby will target the development, recruitment and retention of Welsh international players.

The additional investment to international rugby will include a series of projects aimed at enhancing ambition and squad performance through all age groups.