Rugby Festival brings economic boost to Conwy businesses

Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and France U18s women’s teams played a week-long festival over the Easter break at Stadiwm CSM in Colwyn Bay – the first in Wales.

Cllr Aaron Wynne, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure for Conwy County Borough Council, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Six Nations U18s Women’s teams to Stadiwm CSM this spring.  Rugby is so important to our region both economically and to inspire and develop Welsh talent.  It also offered a great day out for our local residents.”

The economic benefit off-the-pitch is crucial for Conwy’s local businesses with over £300k spent on accommodation, transport, catering and support services for this festival alone.

Charlotte and Rhys, owners of the Dunoon Hotel, said:

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to host the French team at the Dunoon.  What a ridiculously talented group of athletes! It’s as though flair and brilliance with a rugby ball are a contractual part of being French.  We’d love to claim a tiny part of the credit for their success over the week; we certainly kept them well-fuelled.  But we suspect it’s entirely down to their own skill and work ethic.

“Chapeau Conwy County Borough Council for hosting the tournament.  It’s a fantastic shot in the arm for us at what continues to be an extremely challenging time for our sector.”

Stadiwm CSM is reaping the benefit of a £700,000 investment in the pitch, which made hosting this event possible. Both the local professional rugby teams, RGC and Crusaders, play their games at the ground and the hard wearing nature of the pitch allows for sports festivals with repeated daily use throughout the year – something the old surface could not have delivered.

Julie Paterson, Director of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, said:

“The festival is a hugely important development platform for our players, coaches, support staff and match officials.  They provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience at international level, whilst exposing our best young athletes to different cultures and experiences that are unique in our game."

To keep up to date with rugby including WRU fixtures, the RGC season and Crusaders games and all other events planned for Stadiwm CSM check out www.visitconwy.org.uk or follow @VisitConwy on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.