Rupert Moon takes Scarlets spirit to new role managing North Wales rugby

Scarlets favourite Rupert Moon will take a lead role in the development of North Wales Rugby – leaving his regional home at Parc y Scarlets to join the WRU and help build on the growing enthusiasm for rugby in the North.

The former Wales international and popular Scarlets captain has been appointed as the new WRU General Manager of the North Wales Development Region and will spearhead a number of current and new initiatives aimed at helping the growth of rugby in the area.

With wide ranging experience both on and off the field and an obvious passion and enthusiasm for the sport, Moon was identified as a key individual to help accelerate the development of the North Wales rugby development pathways and lead strategy in the region on the next stage of its evolution. Rupert will be based at Eirias in Colwyn Bay which has been developed as a major leisure facility and the home of Welsh rugby in the north.

Moon has been connected with the Scarlets for more than 20 years, first as a player where he was captain of Llanelli for three consecutive seasons – 1992/93 (when Llanelli beat World Champions Australia), 1993/94, 1994/95. He played 272 games over 12 years, scoring 77 tries and 392 points.

He returned to the Scarlets three years ago to take up the role of Commercial Director as part of a strong management team at Parc y Scarlets during a time of change for the rugby region including moving home to its new £23m rugby training facility and stadium.

Moon said it was a very difficult decision to leave his spiritual home however felt the move allowed him to take his experience and pride in what had been achieved recently in heart and soul rugby country to make a difference at a key time in the development of the sport in North Wales.

Thanking supporters and Scarlets partners and sponsors for “an inspiring three years”, Rupert Moon said he’d take very fond memories as well as retaining his strong links and friendships across the West Wales region.

He said: “Being a true and loyal Scarlet, I could only take up a challenge where I could make a difference to Welsh rugby and the chance to help develop and progress the strategy for rugby in North Wales is something that is close to my heart.

“My 20-year connection with the Scarlets is one I am very proud of and West Wales is like North Wales with a growing number of enthusiastic and passionate rugby supporters. I’ll now look to galvanise North Wales in the same way and build on the pride and energy as has happened in West Wales.

“It’s been an inspiring three years. To be able to help shape and build a rugby business that means so much to me and has been a big part of my life – and at such a key time in it’s progression has been a privilege. My thanks to everyone who has been part of that journey and the Scarlets are lucky to have such a wide base of passionate, loyal and committed partners, supporters and supporters.

“There is now a great challenge ahead of me which inspires me. I will now take the experiences I have gained there and at the WRU into my new role and I am determined to ensure that the support for rugby in the north Wales development region is rewarded with focused activity and meaningful development.”

Chief Executive of the Scarlets Mark Davies said: “As a region, firmly committed to development of Welsh talent, both on and off the field, we are delighted that Rupert has been identified and approached to take forward this opportunity to deliver yet another substantial personal contribution to Welsh rugby.

“We thank him for his huge commitment and energy throughout his association with the Scarlets. Always a player and captain that led by example, Rupert’s energy, drive and commitment to establish Parc y Scarlets as the new home for all clubs and supporters in our region, together with his creativity in identifying and implementing new revenue opportunities have been crucial to the success and progression of our Scarlets business over the last three years.

“With the progress already being made by Conwy County Council and the WRU, the next step in accelerating the development of the North Wales rugby development pathways has clearly been to identify and appoint the right individual to lead the region to the next stage of its evolution.

“Rupert’s experience, together with his achievements in time at the WRU and Millennium Stadium mean he is uniquely placed to be able to contribute to both rugby and business development in North Wales.

“His big personality and huge enthusiasm means he’ll be a tough act to follow, but the events team that Rupert has played a major part in building are determined to carry on his good work. We look forward to continuing to enjoy and strengthen our links with the rugby community in North Wales and watching Parc Eirias follow Parc y Scarlets in establishing itself as a destination venue with rugby at its heart.”

Moon as been part of a management team that has improved performance off the field over the past two years with average attendances up more than 15% with the Scarlets attracting the third highest attendance figures in the Celtic League behind Munster and Leinster and season ticket sales ahead of revenue targets for the 2012/13 season.

Last year, Parc Y Scarlets hosted close to 50,000 non-match day visitors enjoying more than 500 events outside rugby at Parc y Scarlets. A growing venue and events business is contributing significantly to the financial future of the region as the Scarlets maximise the potential of their world-class sports facilities at their home with a range of international and community sports events as well as entertainment and corporate events.