Welsh Rugby
13 September 2009
Leading Welsh law firm, M&A Solicitors LLP, played a fundamental role in what has been described by the WRU as a "significant moment in the history of Welsh rugby, which will safeguard the future of Wales' national sport".
On 7 September 2009 the Blues, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets entered into a new five year agreement that will provide the operational roadmap to strengthen Welsh rugby and build on the successes of the national and regional teams. The agreement covers all aspects of the elite game in Wales, including the working and financial relationship between the WRU and the Regions; the development of junior players; the international calendar; and player welfare.
M&A, who specialise in complex, commercial matters such as this, represented all four of the Welsh regional rugby sides in both the two year long contractual negotiations with the WRU, and the well publicised High Court litigation which is widely regarded as having provided the impetuous for the WRU to finally conclude the deal.
M&A's corporate team was headed up by Alan Whiteley, a founding partner of the firm. Alan said "this is a good example of how M&A provides commercial solutions to our clients right across the legal spectrum. We worked to ensure that we achieved the best possible result for our clients. At M&A we do not pigeon hole our clients or their requirements. M&A provides a full commercial service from cradle to grave and we pride ourselves on being able to assist our clients find commercial solutions to their problems whether the issues are purely corporate, litigation, property, construction, employment or as is more often the case, a combination".
Stuart Gallacher, the Chief Executive of Regional Rugby Wales, and representative of the four regions said that "all four regions are delighted with the result of these extremely difficult negotiations and court proceedings, which has seen the financial distribution to the Regions increase from £3.6m to £6m per year. We are very grateful for the roles played by Alan, David, and their teams at M&A Solicitors LLP which has without doubt been of the highest professional standard and commitment".