Cardiff Rugby Board Summary – 16th May 2023
The previous minutes were approved and actions arising discussed.
Chairman’s Welcome
- This was the board’s first meeting since the death of Peter Thomas.
- Thanks were given to the Thomas family for their continuing support.
- The efforts of the CEO and his team in organising the memorial service and wake were noted.
Richard Holland’s Executive Summary
- A portrait of PT had been commissioned.
- CR had met its strategic objective of finishing best Welsh region and qualifying for the 23/4 Champions Cup.
- CRFC was congratulated on winning the Cup.
- Player signings were discussed.
- Approaches from potential investors had been made and would be investigated further.
Darren Talbot’s Finance Summary
- Cash flow issues updated.
- Ongoing challenges discussed.
- Dates for submission of audited accounts identified.
Rhys Blumberg’s COO Summary
- Beth Sheen promoted to Account Manager.
- Potential impact of uncertainties regarding 23/4 on season memberships described.
- All kit partners had renewed.
- Benefits of permanent marquee on site highlighted.
Cardiff Arms Park
- Keith Morgan provided an update on the work of PropCo.
Nadine Griffith’s Foundation Summary
- Diversity officer appointed.
- Possibility of delivering programmes on behalf of WRU discussed.
- Future fund raising objectives described and cash flow discussed.
- Amalgamation with Benevolent trust complete.
Cardiff Rugby Museum
- David Allen presented a proposal to establish a community interest company to manage the collection going forward.
- This was approved in principle subject to any legal and tax related points being resolved.
Cardiff Rugby Board Summary – 11th July 2023
The previous minutes were approved and actions arising confirmed.
Chairman’s Welcome
- Alun Jones emphasised the complexity of the current challenges that the company was facing and the huge amount of work that was going on behind the scenes to resolve these.
- Our inability to communicate on some key issues to supporters and shareholders was a massive frustration and acknowledged as such by the board.
Richard Holland’s Executive Summary
- The board would write to formally note its thanks to the Thomas family.
- The challenges inherent in the updated business plan were outlined in full.
- An update on potential investors was provided.
- Some updates were given from the WRPA.
Darren Talbot’s Finance Summary
- The financial position was updated further to the receipt of payments from the WRU.
- Required actions in managing the budget in the next period were agreed.
Cardiff Arms Park
- Chris Sutton outlined the implication of the 2028 UEFA bid.
- Lease extension discussions to commence.
Heritage Community Interest Company
- David Allen confirmed that the company would be limited by guarantee rather than shares.
- The potential tax implications of asset transfer had been resolved.
- Alun Jones would provide an opinion on the draft articles and associate papers.
Cardiff RFC
- The strategic need to ensure a fully competitive RFC side was agreed and further options for financial support identified.
Rhys Blumberg’s COO Summary
- Jason Harries had joined the commercial team.
- Issues within the ticketing department were highlighted and solutions identified.
- A report on a number of recently successful commercial ventures was provided and plans for the World Cup fanzone described.
- An update on season memberships was given.
- A hugely positive fan experience report had been received.
- Options for installing LED boards were outlined.
- Essential groundworks were identified and agreed.
Nadine Griffith’s Foundation Summary
- Update on engagement numbers.
- End of year financial position provided.
- Further options for expanding the Foundation’s role suggested.