20 Years of Transformation: The Dragons’ Journey in Welsh Rugby Union
Published on BBC Sport, this insightful article delves into the evolution of the Dragons, a Welsh Rugby Union team formed two decades ago as part of the transition from a club to a regional structure. The past few years have been marked by financial difficulties, leading to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) stepping in during the summer of 2017 to acquire a majority stake and rebrand the team as simply ‘Dragons’.
However, a recent development has seen a return to private ownership. In March 2023, a new six-year deal was signed between the four Welsh regions, including the Dragons, and the WRU. This agreement paved the way for a consortium led by former Just Eat entrepreneur Buttress, along with American biotech tycoon Hoyoung Huh and former Pontypool scrum-half David Wright, to take over the Dragons.
“It’s in very loving, caring hands now and we’ll make sure it stays stable and Gwent rugby at a professional level will be fine,” he stated in an interview on the Radio Wales Breakfast programme.
The article also delves into the broader context of Welsh rugby, with Buttress highlighting the need for greater investment in the professional game. “It’s not a secret, if you invest less and less you’re not going to grow,” he said. “We really do have to prioritise and invest in the professional game so it can grow again and be what we know it is and could be.”
The transformation of the Dragons, from its inception 20 years ago to the recent change in ownership, underscores the evolving landscape of Welsh rugby union. As the new consortium takes the reins, the future of the Dragons and the wider Welsh rugby landscape remains a topic of keen interest for enthusiasts.
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