EXCLUSIVE: Ben Rose set to be named Indigo Group Premiership Commercial Manager

Indigo Group Premiership

Last Word on Rugby first reported on the news of the Indigo Group Premiership bringing in a Commercial Manager back in July and now, following a meeting with the Premiership clubs, Ben Rose is set to be announced into the role.

Who is Ben Rose?

Ben is currently a WRU Rugby Manager for the Cardiff Blues region and it’s understood he’ll remain in the role whilst turning his attention to the Indigo Group Premiership role.

He’s been in this role since 2017 where he left his role as the Rugby Development Manager at the Ospreys.

He does have Premiership experience having coached the Bridgend Ravens for two years, whilst also being a play for the same club as well as Pontypridd.

Rose has previously spent time as a Rugby Development Officer and worked with the Wales women. He has a Masters in Sports Development and Coaching.

Indigo Group Premiership
Ben Rose, image courtesy of the WRU.

What the Indigo Premiership Group commercial manager role entails

The role will add dedicated business knowledge to the league. Clubs have acknowledged a lack in business sense amongst those involved across the board and Ben will work closely with the 12 clubs to ensure maximum productivity off the field.

His role is to bring expert advice and leadership to the table when those sat around it may not be specialized in these areas. Clubs have seen tough times recently with the drop of the core grant affecting their income by £20,000.

The role of the Commercial Manager is to help clubs remain financially stable and clubs have sat down with the WRU to begin a discussion regarding a salary cap to help boost competitiveness. This is unlikely to be added to the structure until at least next season.

Clubs were involved in the process and checked over the job specification before it was published.

Speaking back in July at the then prospect of a Commercial Manager, Chairman of the Premiership clubs, Jon Jones said, “Clubs are made up of volunteers and not many clubs will have a volunteer who has marketing and commercial skills.”

It’s a role that will be funded by the WRU.

 

“Main photo credit”

Indigo Group Premiership
Indigo Group Welsh Premiership captain’s (Photo, credit @vivj33)