Barry Rugby Club announces new Multi-sport offering

Barry Rugby Club has announced significant steps forward, as it introduces a football section and expanded Rugby League offering as part a long-term vision of moving to a broader multi-sport model.

While Rugby Union remains at the heart of the club, the introduction of football and Rugby League creates new opportunities for participation, and by strengthening community engagement, helps secure a more sustainable future for the club.

The move towards a multi-sport structure is designed to increase year-round use of the club, broaden community involvement, attract new members and partners, and create greater long-term investment into grassroots sport and wellbeing within Barry.

Vale of Glamorgan League club FC Barry will become part of the wider Barry RFC structure as the club’s Football Section, initially operating with a senior football team. The introduction of a smaller football operation allows the club to manage the transition effectively, given the current facility setup.

Rugby League has already been introduced through Rugby Masters (veterans), with plans to expand the offering across multiple age groups from next season as part of the club’s wider sporting development.

Club Chairman and Director of Barry Rugby Football Club Ltd, Mike Prosser, said: “This is about protecting and strengthening the future of Barry RFC. Rugby Union will always remain the core identity of this club, but if community sports clubs are to thrive long term, they have to evolve with the times. 

“Moving towards a multi-sport model allows us to increase participation, improve sustainability, maximise the use of our facilities, and create a stronger platform for future investment into the club and the wider community.

“Importantly, we are taking a measured and responsible approach. This is not about changing who we are - it’s about ensuring Barry RFC remains strong and successful for generations to come.”

Director of Rugby, Mike Morgan, added: “Strong rugby clubs are built on strong communities and strong foundations off the field. The introduction of Rugby League and the Football Section is part of a bigger long-term strategy to strengthen the club as a whole. 

“More people involved in the club, more activity throughout the week, and greater sustainability ultimately helps protect the future of rugby at Barry RFC as well. Rugby remains at the centre of everything we do, but this approach helps build a stronger club for everyone.”

FC Barry Chairman, Dave Lewis, said “We’re proud to become part of the wider Barry RFC community and excited to play a role in the club’s long-term vision.

“From our discussions with the Barry RFC board, it was clear this was about building something sustainable, community-focused and positive for the future of sport within Barry. We’re looking forward to contributing to that journey.”

The club looks forward to welcoming new players, coaches, volunteers and supporters into the wider Barry RFC community as it continues to evolve for the future.

The club is holding a second drop-in event for viewing the latest Community Redevelopment project updates and an opportunity to speak directly with the project team on Wednesday, June 10 between 5pm and 8pm.