A rugby enthusiast who has been instrumental to the success of Rhyl Rugby Club was celebrated at a 10 Downing Street reception last week.
Tony Evans, who is Chairman of Rhyl Rugby Club, was invited to attend the ‘Local Community Sport Champions Reception’ at Number 10 by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies for his sporting work in the community.
Tony first became involved with Rhyl Rugby Club back in 1987 as a player. Since that time, he has been Captain, Secretary and Director, and is currently the Chairman, a position he has held for the past four years.
Since moving to its current base on Tynewydd Road, Rhyl, in January 2019, the club has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the hard work of Tony, other committee members and staff, and they are now looking to expand the facility.
James has been working closely with them in a bid to secure funding for the expansion project.
James said:
“Tony ably leads Rhyl RFC which is an important and long standing grassroots sports club for all ages within the local community – in fact it has been going since the 1950s.
“In recent years I have been working with Tony and others at the club to help them progress their ambition to expand. During this time I have witnessed first-hand the dedicated hard work that Tony does for the betterment of the club and the local community.
“I was therefore delighted to be able to nominate him to attend the Local Community Sport Champions reception at 10 Downing Street, where he got to meet the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP, and others from across the country who have made a difference to their communities through sport.
“Prior to the reception Tony was given a tour of Parliament and we were able to spend some time discussing funding options for the planned extension of the club.
“I am pleased he was able to make the trip to London and had an enjoyable day. He does tremendous work and is a true champion in the world of grassroots rugby.”
Tony said:
“I had a really enjoyable day both at Parliament and then at the reception at 10 Downing Street.
“It was great to get a behind the scenes insight into how everything works and to meet like-minded people at the reception. It was very worthwhile as we are all in a similar position and were able to share ideas.
“I have been involved with Rhyl Rugby Club for many years now and it has been great to watch the club flourish since our move back in 2019. Our success however means that demand has outstripped supply and we desperately need a larger premises. We have got the planning for an extension and we are now in the process of exploring all avenues of funding, and James and Cllr Brian Jones have been very helpful in assisting us with this.
“I got involved with the club all those years ago because I love the sport, and because Rhyl is my town. Expanding the club really would leave a lasting legacy for the community to use, at a time when local authorities are struggling to provide such facilities, and I will continue working hard to ensure our vision is realised.”
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP said:
‘Sport is for everyone. It enriches our communities and improves lives right across the country.
“Tony is a dedicated champion of community sport in the Vale of Clwyd, and it was a real pleasure to celebrate his work alongside Dr James Davies MP."
