Cardiff Rugby Board Summary – 16^th 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 – 11^th 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.