By Jordan Jones
The Welsh Rugby Union have pledged financial support to help local rugby clubs affected by Storm Dennis.
Several clubs across Wales have seen their grounds and facilities ravaged by the Storm and now clubs will be able to work towards undoing the damage.
The well-documented affects of the storm have prompted action from Wales’ governing body for rugby, where they’ve set aside £100,000 for clubs in Wales.
It’s part of ‘an exceptional circumstances’ fund set up by the WRU to support clubs who have been worst affected by flooding.
Workers at the union will volunteer a full-working day at affected clubs, as they hope to continue a long-term strategy of supporting rugby across Wales.
Clubs will also receive specialist advice on recovering and maintaining damaged pitches.
“These are exceptional circumstances and we have therefore decided to allocate dedicated funds and resources to help out rugby clubs in need in communities throughout the country,” said WRU CEO Martyn Phillips.
“There is money put aside for emergencies such as these and we will take great care to ensure that we target both money and resources in the right areas so that we are helping those who need it most.”
Action plan to support rugby clubs around the country affected by ‘Storm Dennis’, to include:
– £100k club flood fund
– Bucket collection at @SixNationsRugby Wales v @FranceRugby on Sat
– Specialist pitch expertise
– Equipment, staff & other resources🗞️https://t.co/ggQj7Nvthj pic.twitter.com/An1h9Sj8ld
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 20, 2020
There will also be bucket collections at Wales’ Six Nations game with France on Saturday.
Caerphilly-based club Bedwas are one of the clubs the most affected. Their Bridgefield Stadium was heavily flooded after the Rhymney river burst its banks.
The damage was not covered by their insurance and a fundraiser has been set up to repair the damage. Over £14k has been raised in just three days via their GoFundMe page.
Fellow Gwent side Cross Keys RFC have also set up a fundraiser via GoFund Me. Supporters and volunteers have assisted the club in a clear-up operation but now require financial support to help fix the damages.
All donations for Cross Keys will go towards fixing their clubhouse after they suffered damage to their furniture, flooring, electrical goods and clubs training equipment.
Cross Keys have so far raised over £3k, as they aim for a £5k target.
(Featured Image: Andy Vernall)