‘I’M IN’ - NEW DRAGONS CHAIRMAN INVESTS

The former Just Eat chief executive and co-founder, who is from Cwmbran in Gwent, will lead a new Board of directors at the region as it enters a new era.

Buttress is the second high profile change at the Dragons since the WRU took ownership of Gwent’s professional side this summer, with new head coach Bernard Jackman appointed under strong recommendation from Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

The 40-year-old entrepreneur and business graduate, who was as recently as January recognised as one of the UK’s 500 most influential people by Debretts - and is currently a member of joint venture capital firm 83North - has also invested financially in the Dragons, a significant sign of his confidence and excitement about the future.

He was educated at Croesyceiliog comprehensive school before leaving for Middlesex University and embarking on a business career which has seen him earn a host of accolades and awards, including the 2015 Entrepreneur Wales award.

His first task as chairman will be to put together a board of directors for the Dragons which will oversee a period of change and progression for the region and see them further engage with the community around Gwent with the aim of playing to regular sell-out crowds within the next three years. 

“It is a huge personal honour for me to have the opportunity to make a real and positive impact on rugby in the region in which I grew up,” said Mr Buttress, who will also play an integral role in Welsh rugby’s drive to ensure business collaboration amongst all four regions.

“I’m fully aware of the strength of feeling and the power and influence of rugby throughout the area, we know we have a challenge ahead to create a competitive modern Dragons which is truly representative of its region and which supports the 73 clubs of Gwent. 

“But this is a challenge I will very much relish and one that the WRU and all the staff, players and coaches at the Dragons are fully behind.”

The new Dragons board will be streamlined and agile and the search for a group of diverse individuals with the right skill sets to complement each other and to take the Dragons into their next exciting era has begun.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome a businessman of the calibre of David Buttress to Welsh rugby,” said WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.

“His reputation and his achievements in the business world are there for everyone to see and he will make an impact at the Dragons which will not only benefit the region itself and all the clubs within it, but that will produce a ripple effect throughout Welsh rugby. 

“We really have got everything we could have wished for in an international businessman and entrepreneur who has been there and done that in the business world, but who is Cwmbran born and bred and who has a real passion for rugby in Gwent.”