Welsh Rugby Union pledge support to the military after signing Armed Forces Covenant

· Forces News
The WRU has joined a network of more than 700 Welsh employers to pledge support to the Armed Forces community (Picture: Welsh Rugby Union)

The Welsh Rugby Union have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant is a pledge for those who sign it to acknowledge that former and service personnel and their families "should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives".

President of the WRU Terry Cobner and Abi Tierney (Chief Executive Officer) signed the Armed Forces Covenant with Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales.

The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh were on hand at Cardiff Castle alongside Lance Corporal Shenkin, the Regimental Goat of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, along with the Goat Major, Sergeant Mark Jackson.

WRU representatives were honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate Accession Day, the anniversary of His Majesty King Charles III’s accession to the throne.

Cobner said: "We are proud to support the Armed Forces community in this way.

"Welsh rugby has a long and positive association with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh in particular, with Shenkin the Regimental Goat an important fixture as our official mascot on match days at the Principality Stadium and the Regimental Band also a regular feature.

"Those who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces and their families are always welcome in Welsh rugby."