A recent survey from GlobalWelsh has estimated that there are more than 500,000 people around the world with strong ties to Gwent — and Dragons RFC are determined to ensure those voices are connected and heard.
This first-of-its-kind research positions Dragons RFC uniquely to push forward and reach more people than ever before, as the club develops its networks and sporting connections for the future.
The research found that the Gwent diaspora maintains particularly close connections to the region and strong ties to Dragons RFC, with 70% of those surveyed having previously attended a Dragons match.
Crucially, the findings also highlighted the significant economic and professional experience within this global community. Nearly half (43%) of the Gwent diaspora have previously led or run a business in the region, demonstrating deep-rooted economic ties and a strong understanding of the local landscape. This presents Dragons RFC with an opportunity to engage with an experienced and committed professional audience that could play a role in future growth and development.
The survey further revealed an overwhelming willingness among the diaspora to give back. Almost 100% of senior professionals expressed openness to supporting Gwent-based community, charity or grassroots sports initiatives — reinforcing the potential for meaningful collaboration that benefits both the club and the wider region.
The Gwent diaspora has spread far and wide, with particularly high concentrations now based in London, the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates, while Australia also ranks among the top international regions identified in the survey.
Despite being physically distant from Rodney Parade, the research found that the diaspora maintains “deep-rooted connections” to Gwent. When asked to describe the region, respondents frequently used words such as home and beautiful, with rugby emerging repeatedly — underlining the importance of the sport to Gwent’s global identity.
With two of Dragons RFC’s three owners hailing from Gwent, the passion to ensure the long-term success of rugby in the region has never been stronger — and that commitment will continue to drive the club forward.
Support from the diaspora will further enhance this ambition. With senior professionals across the global Gwent community eager to support local community, charity and grassroots initiatives, Dragons RFC has a unique opportunity to advance not only the club itself, but the wider Gwent region.
Following receipt of the report from GlobalWelsh, Dragons RFC is already exploring ways to engage with those who wish to maintain — or even strengthen — their close ties to Gwent rugby through the club’s community, communications and commercial teams. Watch this space.
Rhys Blumberg, CEO at Dragons RFC, said: “We are excited about the results of the research that GlobalWelsh has conducted. We always knew that our region had exported huge amounts of talent that have gone on to build successful careers, businesses and achieve recognition within their chosen field.
“We are hugely encouraged by their interest in Dragons RFC and their desire to connect back to help us succeed on the field and in the community.
“This is just the starting point for us to expand and engage with our supporters, wherever they are in the world and provide them with ways of being part of the Dragons RFC future and join us on the journey.”
Walter May, Founder and CEO of GlobalWelsh, said: “Our three million-strong diaspora are a huge, untapped resource who wish to give back to Wales. Our Gwent diaspora research demonstrated that their interest and passion for our national sport is of huge importance to them, creating a clear opportunity for Welsh elite sport to engage with supporters around the world.
“A key insight from the research identified three distinct categories of commercial engagement that the Gwent region diaspora wish to participate in. Creating specific offerings for each of these will allow Dragons RFC to build progressive and growing support from their international allies. GlobalWelsh is delighted to support them in this endeavour.”
GlobalWelsh is a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to unlock the potential of Wales by connecting its global community. With over a million people of Welsh origin and affinity living worldwide, GlobalWelsh provides a bridge linking talent, knowledge, investment and opportunity back to Wales. By strengthening these connections, GlobalWelsh aims to transform the Welsh economy, inspire the next generation and create life-changing opportunities for people at home and abroad.
Find out more about GlobalWelsh at globalwelsh.com or contact hi@globalwelsh.com.
This is just the starting point for us to expand and engage with our supporters, wherever they are in the world and provide them with ways of being part of the Dragons RFC future and join us on the journey...
