WRU announces new training centre

The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled plans for a £2 million centre of excellence.

The facility, at the Wales squad's existing training base in Hensol near Llantrisant, will see three full-size pitches laid, including an artifical, floodlit arena.

Two half-size pitches are also on the agenda for technical skills such as kicking, lineouts and scrummaging.

The development is the result of a three-way partnership, with investment from the WRU, Leekes, the owners of the Vale Resort at Hensol, and the Sports Council for Wales, who have allocated a £1.5 million National Lottery grant for the project.

Work will begin immediately on a full renovation of the administrative facilities, and installation of all the new pitches will be completed next year.

WRU chairman David Pickering said: "We will now boast a centre of excellence that everyone involved in Welsh rugby can be truly proud of.

"It will offer generations of talented young men and women the opportunity to achieve their true international potential.

"I am well aware of the dedication and hard work needed to become a Wales international, and we are determined to nurture and develop all our elite players."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland added: "Environment is so important to a successful team.

"Having every possible training surface on our doorstep will make a huge difference to our match preparation in the future."