The new owners for Dragons RFC and Rodney Parade have been announced following negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
On 30 June 2023, following a thorough and detailed process, a Heads of Terms agreement was signed between the new consortium and the WRU.
The great deal for Welsh rugby, which allows Dragons RFC to pursue a clear and long-term strategy and take full ownership of the historic Rodney Parade site, has been agreed by WRU and the new owners.
The Gwent club will be led by a consortium of Chair David Buttress, David Wright and Graeme Bradbury - who represents private investment from overseas – who will take the club into the next exciting chapter of Welsh rugby as equal partners.
New owner and Director David Wright outlined his excitement saying: “I’ve been talking to David (Buttress) for the last eighteen months about joining the consortium and so now having completed the deal, I’m excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“The last two months we have asked some challenging questions as a consortium as we want to make sure that the Dragons are successful both on and off field. I am confident that in the next year we can drive change to set the club up to compete in the long-term.”
WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood stated: “This is an exciting moment not just for Dragons RFC but for Welsh rugby as a whole.
“Returning Dragons RFC to private ownership was always the long-term plan for the game in Gwent and I know all members of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), which helped support the deal, will be equally delighted to have reached this landmark stage.
“A great deal of credit must also go to directly to David Buttress and his team. This is an important moment in our collective journey to support the development of professional rugby in Wales.”
Details of a fan forum with members of the new consortium, to address supporters and outline the club’s clear and long-term strategy, will be announced shortly.
The new owners of Dragons RFC would also like to take this opportunity to thank fans, the Welsh Rugby Union, the City Council and commercial partners for their unwavering backing and messages of support throughout this entire process.
A new beginning for Gwent Professional Rugby, Rodney Parade and a new chapter for our great club starts now.
Dragons RFC Consortium:
David Buttress will Chair the consortium after acting as Chair of the Dragons board since 2017. Born in Cwmbran, David led the introduction of Just Eat to the UK and is now Venture Partner in investment firm 83North. Born in Cwmbran, David has a passion for rugby and sport in Gwent and the city of Newport.
David Wright was born and raised in Machen. As a young man he had a successful rugby career, playing at first class level for Newbridge, Cardiff, Pontypool, Leicester and Nottingham. Today, David is one of Europe’s leading pharma CEO’s and business people. He was recently CEO and shareholder of Paris-based HRA Pharma (owner of brands such as Compeed , ellaOne and Mederma), recognised globally as a brand leader in over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals. He is now a non-executive board member of various companies.
Graeme Bradbury was born in Newport and has always resided in Gwent. Graeme has worked for major global businesses such as Dyson, Samsonite and Tria Beauty. A keen supporter of Gwent rugby, Graeme has been a Season Member with Dragons RFC since 2014.
The Gwent club will be led by a consortium of Chair David Buttress, David Wright and Graeme Bradbury - who represents private investment from overseas – who will take the club into the next exciting chapter of Welsh rugby as equal partners...
