The Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort

WRU Head Coach Warren Gatland praises Vale Resort at the official opening of the WRU National Centre of Excellence. Pictured at the indoor arena based at the Vale (l-r) WRU CEO Roger Lewis, Warren Gatland and First Minister, Rhodri Morgan.

Warren Gatland, Wales Head Coach has applauded the owners of the Vale Resort for their vision and commitment in helping the WRU create a cutting-edge facility for the continued development of world-class rugby in Wales.

Wales' international coaches and players at all levels have added their weight to the positive advantages gained thanks to the completion of the new WRU National Centre of Excellence.

Warren Gatland said: "The National Centre of Excellence is about the long-term development of the game. In terms of the facility and environment we now have here at the Vale Resort, I haven't seen anything else in my career that compares.

"As a one stop facility, it is absolutely fantastic. We are already enjoying the benefits of working together under one roof and at one base so we all get plenty of opportunity to engage and share ideas.

"All of us in the national squad are delighted that the Welsh Rugby Union along with its partners in this project, has had the vision and determination to achieve this."

WRU National Academy Manager and Wales U20 head coach, Phil Davies said: "The facilities here are world class and are conducive to rugby development which is vital for our game.

"It allows a level of consistency in our training and preparation and gives young, academy players the opportunity to aspire and be the best they can be."

The new WRU National Centre of Excellence at the Vale Resort was officially launched by Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan on Wednesday October 28^th 2009.