New club launches in South Wales

South Wales Hornets Chairman Mark Harris has revealed the intentions behind the club’s launch ahead of the new season.

The Hornets were announced as a brand new club officially on Wednesday, and will compete in Conference Three of the new summer rugby league structure, taking the place of Valley Cougars who represented Wales in the division last year.

Before accepting his role at the Hornets, Harris had long been involved in the development of rugby league in Wales, and is confident that this latest move is a significant step forward.

“It’s a great opportunity to be involved with the Hornets and we have a clear plan to continue the good work being done in Wales,” he said.

“We’ll be working with South Wales Scorpions and the Welsh Conference clubs along with local universities – giving opportunities to higher calibre juniors coming through the pathway system.

“As the flagship community side in Wales we will cater to those that want to step up to semi-professional rugby league and hopefully further.”

The Blackwood-based club will be hoping to follow the success of the Cougars – who reached the end of season play-offs in 2011 – but Harris is keen to stress that the team competing in the rebranded Conference Three this season is a completely new entity.

“Valley Cougars did a fantastic job last year and we have to thank them for all their hard work to get a team up and running and performing so well in their first season.” he continued.

“The Hornets are a brand new club and are hoping to build on success of the Valley Cougars offering opportunities to a wider range of players to represent the Hornets, and rugby league in Wales, at a higher level.”