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Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Business News Wales Launches ‘Sport Business' Section in Partnership with Leading Welsh Sporting Bodies
Business News Wales has today announced the launch of a new editorial section titled 'Sport Business', developed in collaboration with some of the country's most influential sporting organisations including Glamorgan Cricket, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the Football Association of Wales (FAW), and the Cardiff City FC Community Foundation. Launching this September, the new section will feature a dedicated podcast series and email newsletter, providing an independent, authoritative platform to explore the increasingly vital role of sport within the Welsh economy, a sector that contributes over £1 billion annually to Wales' GDP. While the cultural and social impact of sport is widely recognised, its contribution to economic development, employment, tourism, education, infrastructure investment, and community regeneration remains underrepresented within economic policy. Business News Wales' new Sport Business section aims to change that. The Welsh independent publisher's editorial expansion into Wales' sports ecosystem will explore the strategic influence of sport on economic outcomes. Through in-depth features, interviews with senior leaders, and thought leadership from across the sporting ecosystem, the section will highlight the sector's unique strengths, including its naturally resilient individuals, its high-performance mindset, and its ability to inspire and unite communities across Wales. 'Sport is one of Wales' greatest strategic assets, not just culturally, but economically,' said Mark Powney, Managing Director of Business News Wales. 'Having started my own career in sports marketing in Rugby League over 25 years ago, I understand first-hand the values it instils – resilience, leadership, teamwork – all of which are vital as Wales looks to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. 'We believe that Wales' sporting professionals, from retired athletes to those currently competing at the elite level, have an untapped role to play in shaping our economic future. If we can build a meaningful bridge between the sporting and business communities, we'll unlock a mindset that could give Wales a genuine competitive edge.' The editorial expansion will also explore new opportunities for collaboration between sport, business, and government, particularly where sport can support regeneration, skills development, and raise Wales' profile on the global stage. In addition, it will examine the innovation and entrepreneurship emerging from the sector, including the adoption of new technologies, investments in infrastructure, and the growing focus on performance, data, and wellbeing. Abi Tierney, CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union, said: 'Sport is a major driver of social impact, economic growth and national identity here in Wales, yet too often the depth of that contribution doesn't get the recognition it deserves. The launch of the Sport Business section by Business News Wales is a hugely positive step forward. It gives sporting organisations like the WRU, and our colleagues across all codes, a dedicated platform to engage meaningfully with the business community and government. Having a consistent and credible channel to share our stories, showcase our impact, and advocate for future investment is vital as we continue to evolve sport's role in Welsh society. We're proud to support this initiative and look forward to working together to amplify the voice of sport organisations in Wales.' Dan Cherry, CEO of Glamorgan Cricket, said: 'Cricket in Wales is re-emerging as a powerful force for good, not just on the pitch, but across our communities, our local economy, and our culture. From grassroots participation to elite competition, the game is growing rapidly and delivering real value to people's lives. 'At Glamorgan Cricket, we're proud of the role we play in that wider ecosystem, and equally proud of the commercial success story that's taking shape behind the scenes, whether that's increasing attendances, bringing a more diverse audience to the game, expanding our corporate hospitality offer, or the growing reputation of Sophia Gardens as a premier venue for business events and private hire. That's why the launch of the Sport Business channel is so important. It gives us and our peers across Welsh sport a consistent and professional platform to amplify our success, connect with business and government stakeholders, and collectively tell the story of how sport is shaping a better future for Wales. We welcome this initiative and look forward to playing a key role in its growth.' Noel Mooney, CEO of the Football Association of Wales, said: 'Football is a powerful economic and social engine for Wales, from the grassroots game to our national teams, the sport supports jobs, drives tourism, unites communities, and inspires the next generation. At the FAW, we've seen firsthand how football can shape national pride and local prosperity. That's why the launch of the Sport Business channel is so important. It gives us and our partners in sport a professional, independent platform to communicate directly with our stakeholders, whether in government, business, or the wider community. This will be pivotal in telling the full story of football's contribution to the Welsh economy and ensuring sport continues to be recognised as a key pillar of Wales' future.' Sameer Rahman, Non-Executive Director at FAW, Glamorgan Cricket and Millennium Stadium, said: 'For too long, the economic impact of sport in Wales has been underrepresented in mainstream business and policy conversations. I felt strongly that our major sporting organisations needed a dedicated, credible platform, not just to share their individual stories, but to come together with a collective voice that reflects the scale and significance of sport's contribution to the Welsh economy. This new Sport Business channel will give us exactly that. It creates a unified space for collaboration, visibility, and influence, helping us better engage with government, the private sector, and wider society. I applaud Business News Wales for identifying this gap and moving swiftly to create a solution that will benefit the founder organisations involved in this new initiative.' The new Sport Business section on Business News Wales will launch on Monday, 8th September. To sign up for its sport in business newsletter, click here
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Tandy's Wales in-tray as he takes on top job
So Wales finally have their Tandy has been installed as the new permanent men's head coach more than five months after the departure of Warren Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) had to get Tandy released from his contract with Scotland, where he was defence has been given a three-year deal and the media will hear from the man himself in early August before he officially starts work on 1 is taking on a huge task as he begins a job WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says he felt he was "destined" Tandy returns to a Welsh rugby system in crisis, BBC Sport examines what will be in his in-tray. Backroom boys One of the the first things Tandy must do is assemble his backroom director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin says that will not be solely Tandy's responsibility, and will instead be more a collaborative effort between the two of boss Matt Sheratt was the interim head coach between Gatland and Wilson, Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas and Leigh Halfpenny were Sherratt's lieutenants in Japan after Gatland's old backroom staff of Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw, Rob Howley, Alex King and Neil Jenkins were stood has been identified as a potential attack expert within Tandy's set-up while the WRU was impressed with the other coaches, although the majority of them are contracted to and Jones are head coach and scrum coach at Harlequins respectively, Gethin Jenkins is in the Cardiff set-up, while Thomas is involved at acknowledged there might need to be some interim appointments for the autumn series as the WRU negotiates to get the people it stressed long-term, though, being involved with the men's set-up was not a part-time position."Working with the Wales national team is a full-time job," said Reddin."No-one is coming here for a rest from club rugby. This is full-on. That's the only way we're going to drive success moving forward." A testing autumn schedule Wales have turned to Tandy to arrest a slide that has seen them finish bottom of the last two Six Nations Championships and plummet down the world rankings to will face a baptism of fire in his opening campaign, with his first match against Argentina on 9 November and further games against Japan, New Zealand and world champions South will be the final matches before the draw for the 2027 World Cup is made in December. Tandy and Wales will know they will at least need to stay in that top 12 of the rankings to ensure a more favourable draw."I don't want to get hung up about results in the autumn, but it's going to be a brilliant benchmark for us as Steve starts his reign," said Reddin."That will give us a clear indication of where we are as we start to plan for the 2027 World Cup and beyond."Tandy will not be weighed down, at least, by Wales' record 18-match losing Test run, which was halted by victory over Japan in Kobe this month. Collaboration and cooperation One of the reasons Tandy has been chosen - rather than a proven national head coach with previous experience - is his understanding of the Welsh spent six years with Ospreys before leaving Welsh rugby in 2018 to take roles with the Waratahs, Scotland and the British and Irish knows the professional set-up and is expected to have a more unified approach than Gatland."Collaboration is a quality Steve has," said Reddin."That's something we want to embody across the whole system because it should be a fundamental competitive advantage for Wales."Tandy will recognise the domestic situation has deteriorated rapidly since he WRU is considering halving the number of teams in Wales in the men's professional game after admitting the current funding model is governing body announced in May it would move away from the framework of four evenly-funded clubs after Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to its new Professional Rugby the union has announced it will enter into formal consultation with Wales' four regional clubs and other key stakeholders that will lead to a domestic restructure by the 2027-28 season, with a decision on the plan expected by this could mean fewer teams and job losses, meaning Tandy will have to deal with the uncertainty his players face when he brings them together. An impossible job? Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was disappointed to lose Tandy, whose appointment has split opinion on social range from people being underwhelmed to others saying he is the right man at the right 45, knows Welsh rugby always provokes debate and the former no-nonsense flanker will need a thick skin to deal with the have gone as far as to suggest this is an impossible job. Reddin disagrees."From my perspective, I don't think it's impossible at all," said Reddin."Are Wales going to be consistently ranked as the number one team in the world for the next 10 years? No, I don't think so."But can we be a genuine, top-five nation who are constantly competing for Six Nations titles, capable of mixing it with the best in the world? 100%. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."Tandy will have to win over the doubters and the only way to do that, in the long-term, will be by delivering results. Given the dire situation Tandy is inheriting, that will be the ultimate test, with former Wales captain Jonathan Davies saying he needs says he hopes to provide Tandy with the tools to succeed."I don't think anybody gets inspired by a team that says, 'well, we're going to rock up and do our best'," said Reddin."Especially a passionate rugby nation like Wales, we've got to be more ambitious than that. Passion on its own is not enough, it's useless."You've got to get all the other bits right as well. If you've got those bits right, the passion can carry you somewhere special."Welsh rugby will hope Tandy will be the man to deliver on such bold sentiments.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tonmawr's Tandy destined to become Wales head coach
"It is the job he was destined to do."That was the verdict from Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney after installing Steve Tandy as the men's head has returned to Wales after a seven-year absence following coaching stints in Australia and has completed the transition from a no-nonsense flanker, who never quite managed to win a Wales cap, to leading his country off the his beloved Tonmawr to the top job in Welsh rugby. This is the Steve Tandy story. Local lad done good Tandy hails from the small village of Tonmawr, which is about four miles east of Neath. "What an achievement for a guy from Tonmawr, everyone in the area is so proud of Steve," Tonmawr club president Michael Thomas told Radio Cymru."It is a small village and the rugby club is very important to village life."It is a family club and the Tandy family has made a huge contribution to this club."His grandfather Jimmy played for the club, and for Neath."His dad, Peter, played and coached here. Steve himself played for this club and then his brother Kevin, who also coached. "And now Steve's nephew, Kevin's son Elliott, is the club captain." Playing days Tandy made the trip down the road to the Gnoll in the late 1990s where he was greeted by Lyn Jones, who was Neath's head coach between 1994 and 2003 before leading Ospreys until 2008."Steve started at Neath in 1998, and you could see he loved rugby," said Jones."He wanted to know everything. He's a serious person and enjoys the minutiae of the sport."He came to every single training session, standing next to Brett Sinkinson [former Neath and Wales flanker] waiting for his chance."One day that chance finally came."Tandy made 74 appearances for Neath before becoming a member of the Ospreys squad when the region was formed in 2003, where he played 102 games.A month after playing his final professional game in March 2010, the back-rower was appointed head coach of Bridgend, having started his coaching career with Ospreys' Under-16s and spending time helping guide secured promotion to the Welsh Premiership in his first season before he was thrust into the professional spotlight in February 2012. Strong Ospreys start Aged just 32, Tandy was appointed as head coach by Andrew Hore to replace Sean Holley, with director of rugby Scott Johnson also leaving Ospreys on the same was a baptism of fire with Tandy having to lead people he had played with and manage high-profile took things in his stride by guiding his star-studded side to the Pro12 title with Ospreys defeating reigning European champions Leinster in the Dublin Wales second row Ian Gough straddled Tandy's two rugby careers."I played with and against Steve and was coached by him when he started his coaching career and also coached with him," Gough told BBC Radio Wales."He is a proud guy and he might even manage a smile after this news, although he is not known to smile too often. "He is a good, honest bloke. He says it as it is, he is not somebody who will say something to your face and then something else behind your back. He will always front up. I am just so proud of him."Ospreys reached the league semi-finals on two more occasions during Tandy's tenure but never cracked left in January 2018 with managing director Andrew Millward "saying the decision that has been taken lightly" but "results had not been good enough and change was necessary". Friends reunited Tandy was left wondering what to do next and made his way to Australia where he linked up as defence coach with Super Rugby side was reunited with former Ospreys boss Hore who was by then chief executive of the Sydney-based director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin says Tandy's readiness to try different environments proved a factor in his appointment."His coaching journey shows someone that has been unafraid to push himself into some uncomfortable experiences and challenge the way he was operating as a coach and develop as a result," said Reddin."Particularly moving from the Ospreys to the Waratahs was a journey that caused him to re-imagine how he coached and how he thought about it."He's continued to do that throughout his career and that's an amazing quality for, our younger players particularly, to be able to see in the coach and there's still growth in everybody." Scotland success Tandy was snapped up by Scotland following the 2019 World Cup and has been there since, with a stint also with Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions side in South Africa in flanker Jac Morgan says the Scottish players in the British and Irish Lions squad were gutted to see Tandy leave their set-up and those sentiments were echoed by head coach Gregor Townsend."We're sorry to see Steve go because he's had a positive influence on Scottish rugby," said Townsend."Firstly, with the players he's worked with and developed, and secondly the work he's done with the team, turning them into one of the best defensive sides in the world. As coaches we have loved working and learning from him."He has helped me massively in my role and been someone I've leaned on for advice. "It'll be sad not having him with us anymore but I understand it's a massive honour for him to become head coach of his home country."Scotland's loss is Wales gain, although the Tandy family might need to be reminded of their allegiances once more."For the last six years if you walk around Neath, I've seen Steve's dad, Peter wearing a Scotland Rugby Union jacket," said Lyn Jones."So I'm looking forward to seeing him wearing a new red coat now!" 'Coaching at the top level' Tandy has not been a head coach at international level but his old Neath and Ospreys mentor Jones does not believe the new Wales boss will be hampered by that."Steve has the experience," said Jones."He knows what needs to be done, and would have learnt those lessons from being head coach at Bridgend and Ospreys. "He will have experience as well from being part of the Lions' coaching set up to South Africa in 2021."Gough praised Tandy's bravery in taking on the job."It is a gutsy decision by him and his family," said Gough."He has come into the hot-seat at arguably the toughest position in world rugby at the moment. "He knows the task at hand and it is a huge challenge. He is a Tonmawr boy and his family live in the area, so he will live it 24/7."
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tierney has 'fire' to help Welsh rugby transform
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney says she still has "fire in her belly" in the role and wants to help the Wales men's team return to the elite of world rugby. Steve Tandy has been installed as the new men's head coach as he takes over a side who suffered a record 18 Test defeats before a first win in 21 months when they beat Japan earlier this month. Wales have slipped to 12th in the world rankings after Tierney launched a new strategy in June 2024 where the aim was for Wales to be in the top five in 2029. "It was always an aspiration but it's getting harder to achieve that since we published that," said Tierney. "It doesn't mean we're giving up on it. I've got fire in my belly to get up there." It has been a tumultuous time in Welsh rugby since Tierney took over in January in 2024 but she says she will not walk away. "I have the fire to stay in the role, absolutely," said Tierney. "I'm not considering doing anything different. I don't give up easily." Tierney is currently in Australia where she is watching the British and Irish Lions tour and attending World Rugby meetings. When asked if suggestions that she would leave her post upon her return had any truth in them, she replied: "Categorically false." Will there be a cut in sides? It remains a tough time with the WRU considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 season. The governing body says it is entering a formal consultation and could reduce the number of regions from four to three or even two, with a final decision expected by October. "So one of the options is to keep four but fund them differently," said Tierney. "Another option is to go to three or you could fund them differently again. You could have a three on equal funding or a two plus one. "Other option is to go to two. From a performance level you can make them work. I think they've all got trade-offs." Mergers between sides have been mooted. "Everything is on the table," said Tierney. "In the formal consultation will be a direction of travel in terms of number of clubs and then conversations begin in earnest to see how clubs can make that work." The season 2027-28 has been highlighted for the time for change with Tierney stating the early date of 2026-27 could only achieved if there an agreement was in place. Tierney says they have spoken to the United Rugby Championship (URC) about reducing teams. "They have been as supportive as they can be and understand we need to do something," said Tierney. "Their preference is we stay with four teams but understand we may need to do something so it is about working with them." Tierney also stated the WRU's focus was on the URC rather than trying to go into an Anglo-Welsh league. 'Cardiff situation made us pause' Earlier this year, the WRU had previously stated there was enough money to fund four professional sides equally. Tierney says things changed when Cardiff went into administration in April and was taken over by the WRU. The current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal. The deal has been agreed by Cardiff and Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been resolved. "When Cardiff happened, that showed just how challenged the system is," said Tierney. "It made us all pause, including the regions. That meant we weren't able to give sufficient reassurances to two of the regions for them to sign. "So when you don't have a deal, it's time to think about what to do different." Tierney say a drop in finances has affected their previous forecasts. "When we modelled the original offer, it was based on the numbers at the time but numbers have gone the wrong way since then," said Tierney. "We should have done a tougher downside but the headwinds that have affected rugby globally since were not reflected, especially competition income and media rights, while costs have also gone up with national insurance, player wages and costs of running a stadium. "We've seen revenue going down and costs going up. It means the gap to make up is larger for the regions. There's only so far the money goes." Ospreys and Scarlets are considering legal action against the WRU about their handling of the Cardiff situation. "That's always a concern," said Tierney. "They are all still talking to me about what's in best interest for Welsh rugby and want to find a way forward. "I remain optimistic we will find a way through this and can avoid legal action because that's the worst thing that can happen for Welsh rugby with delays and costs involved." Wales name Tandy as new head coach 'Big decisions needed for radical future' - WRU's Reddin Tandy needs 'patience' in Wales task, says Davies Committed to providing certainty Tierney accepts the current uncertainty in Welsh rugby is troubling. "It is a huge burden when you hear about players worried about their jobs," said Tierney. "It is not just the players, but all employees with the four clubs and the WRU because we are looking at changing the whole system. "This is not just about the number of clubs but it's about how we transform professional rugby and our pathways. "You take that seriously and we have committed to honouring players contracts. "Hopefully people will see we behaved with integrity around the Cardiff situation. "We will continue to try and make sure people get certainty as quickly as possible, treat people with respect and are as transparent and open as we can." Tierney says change is required. "We need to now put something in place that might be hard but put us on a sustainable footing going forward and won't require future change," said Tierney. "We all say we need to do something different and the message from clubs and players is to do that quickly and remove uncertainty."
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tierney has 'fire' to help Welsh rugby transform
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney says she still has "fire in her belly" in the role and wants to help the Wales men's team return to the elite of world Tandy has been installed as the new men's head coach as he takes over a side who suffered a record 18 Test defeats before a first win in 21 months when they beat Japan earlier this have slipped to 12th in the world rankings after Tierney launched a new strategy in June 2024 where the aim was for Wales to be in the top five in 2029."It was always an aspiration but it's getting harder to achieve that since we published that," said Tierney."It doesn't mean we're giving up on it. I've got fire in my belly to get up there." It has been a tumultuous time in Welsh rugby since Tierney took over in January in 2024 but she says she will not walk away. "I have the fire to stay in the role, absolutely," said Tierney."I'm not considering doing anything different. I don't give up easily."Tierney is currently in Australia where she is watching the British and Irish Lions tour and attending World Rugby meetings. When asked if suggestions that she would leave her post upon her return had any truth in them, she replied: "Categorically false." Will there be a cut in sides? It remains a tough time with the WRU considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 governing body says it is entering a formal consultation and could reduce the number of regions from four to three or even two, with a final decision expected by October."So one of the options is to keep four but fund them differently," said Tierney."Another option is to go to three or you could fund them differently again. You could have a three on equal funding or a two plus one. "Other option is to go to two. From a performance level you can make them work. I think they've all got trade-offs."Mergers between sides have been mooted."Everything is on the table," said Tierney."In the formal consultation will be a direction of travel in terms of number of clubs and then conversations begin in earnest to see how clubs can make that work."The season 2027-28 has been highlighted for the time for change with Tierney stating the early date of 2026-27 could only achieved if there an agreement was in says they have spoken to the United Rugby Championship (URC) about reducing teams."They have been as supportive as they can be and understand we need to do something," said Tierney. "Their preference is we stay with four teams but understand we may need to do something so it is about working with them."Tierney also stated the WRU's focus was on the URC rather than trying to go into an Anglo-Welsh league. 'Cardiff situation made us pause' Earlier this year, the WRU had previously stated there was enough money to fund four professional sides says things changed when Cardiff went into administration in April and was taken over by the current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal has been agreed by Cardiff and Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been resolved."When Cardiff happened, that showed just how challenged the system is," said Tierney."It made us all pause, including the regions. That meant we weren't able to give sufficient reassurances to two of the regions for them to sign. "So when you don't have a deal, it's time to think about what to do different."Tierney say a drop in finances has affected their previous forecasts."When we modelled the original offer, it was based on the numbers at the time but numbers have gone the wrong way since then," said Tierney."We should have done a tougher downside but the headwinds that have affected rugby globally since were not reflected, especially competition income and media rights, while costs have also gone up with national insurance, player wages and costs of running a stadium."We've seen revenue going down and costs going up. It means the gap to make up is larger for the regions. There's only so far the money goes."Ospreys and Scarlets are considering legal action against the WRU about their handling of the Cardiff situation."That's always a concern," said Tierney."They are all still talking to me about what's in best interest for Welsh rugby and want to find a way forward."I remain optimistic we will find a way through this and can avoid legal action because that's the worst thing that can happen for Welsh rugby with delays and costs involved." Committed to providing certainty Tierney accepts the current uncertainty in Welsh rugby is troubling."It is a huge burden when you hear about players worried about their jobs," said Tierney."It is not just the players, but all employees with the four clubs and the WRU because we are looking at changing the whole system."This is not just about the number of clubs but it's about how we transform professional rugby and our pathways."You take that seriously and we have committed to honouring players contracts. "Hopefully people will see we behaved with integrity around the Cardiff situation."We will continue to try and make sure people get certainty as quickly as possible, treat people with respect and are as transparent and open as we can."Tierney says change is required."We need to now put something in place that might be hard but put us on a sustainable footing going forward and won't require future change," said Tierney."We all say we need to do something different and the message from clubs and players is to do that quickly and remove uncertainty."
