The regional cup and plate competitions for under 12s to Youth level have grown in club participation numbers and by reputation year on year. The Dragons Cup generates huge interest amongst junior club rugby in the region, which has been heightened with today’s sponsorship and semi-final draw announcements, ahead of this year’s finals to be staged at Rodney Parade for the first time on May 11th/ 12th.
Dragons back row Harri Keddie and first team coach Alan Kingsley joined Dawn Gunter, Monmouthshire Building Society Chief Operating Officer to complete the semi-final draw for the under 12s, 13s and 14s competitions at their John Frost Square headquarters in Newport.
The semi-final draw will be available on Dragons Facebook and Twitter channels tonight from 6pm and online at www.dragonsrugby.wales thereafter. The under 15s, 16s and Youth competitions run to a separate schedule with further updates to follow.
Speaking about the sponsorship Dawn said, "It's a great pleasure to strengthen our association with the community game in the Dragons region by sponsoring the Dragons Cup.
"Rugby is part and parcel of many families' lives throughout Gwent and Monmouthshire Building Society was established 150 years ago to help local people grow their futures, so it makes real sense to extend our support of the Dragons and get involved in the grassroots community game.
"We've heard a lot about how youngsters across the region enjoy being part of Dragons Cup and playing for their clubs, so we’re looking forward to seeing Finals Day at Rodney Parade and investing in the sporting heritage of the region."
WRU Rugby Manager for the Dragons region Adrian Evans added, "The Dragons Cup has evolved to become a popular competition supporting participation at all age levels and it is going to be great to see young players reach the finals at Rodney Parade this year. It will be a fantastic achievement for them and hopefully for some it will be the first of many times they get to play on the famous pitch."
"It was a delight to see Harrison Keddie join us for the semi-final draw at Monmouthshire Building Society. To have a headline partner adds great value to the Dragons Cup, so we are all looking forward to working closely with them as we build towards Finals Day.
“Harrison Keddie is a fine ambassador for the region as he is one of many that have come through the regional development pathway, so it’s fitting for him to be involved with the draw.”
"It's a great pleasure to strengthen our association with the community game in the Dragons region by sponsoring the Dragons Cup." Dawn Gunter, Monmouthshire Building Society
