Unlocking the Power of the Gwent Diaspora: A New Era for Dragons RFC
The world of sports is abuzz with the latest findings from GlobalWelsh, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to connecting the global Welsh community. A recent survey has revealed that there are over 500,000 individuals worldwide with strong ties to Gwent, a region in southeast Wales. This staggering number presents a unique opportunity for Dragons RFC, a professional rugby union team based in Gwent, to tap into this vast network and create a loyal fan base that transcends geographical boundaries.
A Deep-Rooted Connection to Gwent
The research highlights the strong affinity that the Gwent diaspora has for the region, with 70% of those surveyed having previously attended a Dragons match. This emotional connection is further reinforced by the fact that nearly half of the respondents have led or run a business in the region, demonstrating a deep understanding of the local economy. The diaspora’s professional experience and economic ties to Gwent make them an attractive audience for Dragons RFC to engage with, potentially leading to mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations.
A Willingness to Give Back
The survey also revealed an overwhelming willingness among the diaspora to support community, charity, or grassroots sports initiatives in Gwent. This altruistic sentiment is a testament to the strong sense of community that exists among the Gwent diaspora, with almost 100% of senior professionals expressing a desire to give back to the region. This presents a unique opportunity for Dragons RFC to forge meaningful relationships with the diaspora, potentially leading to significant economic and social benefits for the region.
A Global Community
The Gwent diaspora is spread across the globe, with significant concentrations in London, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia. Despite being physically distant from Gwent, the diaspora maintains a strong emotional connection to the region, often describing it as “home” and “beautiful.” The importance of rugby to Gwent’s global identity is also evident, with the sport emerging as a recurring theme in the survey responses.
A New Era for Dragons RFC
With two of its three owners hailing from Gwent, Dragons RFC is committed to ensuring the long-term success of rugby in the region. The support of the diaspora will be instrumental in driving this ambition forward, providing a unique opportunity for the club to engage with a global audience and create a loyal fan base. The club’s community, communications, and commercial teams are already exploring ways to connect with the diaspora, potentially leading to new partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives that benefit both the club and the wider region.
A Word from the Experts
Rhys Blumberg, CEO of Dragons RFC, expressed his excitement about the survey’s findings, highlighting the potential for the club to engage with its global supporters and create new opportunities for growth and development. Walter May, Founder and CEO of GlobalWelsh, emphasized the importance of tapping into the diaspora’s passion for Welsh sport, creating a clear opportunity for elite sports teams like Dragons RFC to connect with supporters around the world.
Conclusion
The findings of the GlobalWelsh survey present a compelling case for Dragons RFC to engage with the Gwent diaspora, unlocking a vast network of passionate supporters and potential partners. As the club looks to the future, it is clear that the support of the diaspora will be instrumental in driving its success, both on and off the field. With its strong sense of community, emotional connection to Gwent, and willingness to give back, the diaspora is a powerful force that can help shape the future of Dragons RFC and the wider region. As the club embarks on this new era, one thing is certain – the voice of the Gwent diaspora will be heard, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
