Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation are delighted to confirm Bronnie Jones has succeeded Nadine Griffiths as foundation director.
Nadine left the foundation earlier this year, having been at the helm since its inception, to take up the role of director of women’s rugby at the WRU.
Throughout that time Bronnie had also been part of the team, progressing through the ranks to become community manager and now foundation director.
“I’ve been part of the Foundation since it was established in 2018, so it means a huge amount to me to now step into the role of Foundation Director,” said Bronnie.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Nadine for the support she has given me throughout my development, from starting as a rugby officer, progressing to community manager and now taking on this new role.
“I’m extremely passionate about the work we do within our communities, so it was an easy decision to take on the challenge. I’m really excited about what comes next, continuing to grow the Foundation and hopefully extending our reach and impact right across the region.”
Bronnie, who has played rugby throughout her life and is currently a player coach and vice chair at Gwernyfed RFC, joined Cardiff Rugby in 2018 and was part of the transition of the community department to a charitable foundation.
During her time within Nadine’s team, she has had a particular focus on developing school programmes, focusing on growing opportunities for girls.
Nadine said: “Establishing Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation and seeing it grow into something that makes a genuine difference to people and communities is one of the proudest achievements of my career.
“We built something that was about far more than rugby, it was about people, opportunities, inclusion and belonging and Bronnie was a huge part of that journey.
“I had the privilege of working with her for eight years and I know first-hand just how brilliant she is. She has a wealth of experience in community rugby, a deep understanding of the foundation and a genuine passion for people.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to lead the foundation in the next chapter, and I am absolutely thrilled for her. I’m excited to see where Bronnie will take it next. She’ll bring her own ideas, energy and leadership and I wish her every success. I know she will smash it.”
Stuart Clarke has been appointed Community Manager and has more than 20 years’ experience in coaching and community roles within Wales, most recently as a WRU rugby engagement officer.
He has already linked up with the Foundation, bringing his vast experience to identify new growth opportunities.
He said: “This is a really exciting time to join the foundation and the Cardiff Rugby family in its 150th year.
“It’s great to work with Bronnie and I actually coached her while she played for Cardiff Blues Women, while Nadine gave me my first coaching opportunity 20 years ago.
“Since then I have amassed a broad spectrum of experience working within the community game, as a participation officer, a HUB officer at Fitzalan High School, a coach education officer and most recently a rugby engagement officer.
“Bronnie and the team have made it really easy to settle in and hit the ground running and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
The foundation is completed by Craig Enticott (Disability and Inclusion Officer), Isla Lewis (Rhondda Rugby Officer), Joe Gatt (Vale of Glamorgan Rugby Officer), Nikkita Olsen (Cardiff Rugby Officer) and Connor Jones (South Powys and Cynon Valley Rugby Officer).
Bronnie added: “We’re in a really strong place, with a fantastic team of officers, a brilliant new community manager and an extremely talented and supportive Board of Trustees. There’s a lot of energy around the Foundation and I’m looking forward to building on that together.
“We pride ourselves on the difference we make throughout our region and we’re excited to explore how we can expand as a foundation, continue making positive impacts whilst developing our future strategy.”