Cardiff Blues have today launched a new Welsh language podcast - the first of its kind in professional sport in Wales.
In 2018, the region made a commitment to increase the use of Welsh language across various aspects of the business.
The latest step, as part of the ongoing strategy, sees Cardiff Blues become the first professional sports club to launch a Welsh language podcast - which is now available on all major platforms.
The debut episode, hosted by Owain Gruffudd, features an in-depth feature interview with Cardiff Blues academy product and decorated Wales and Lions international, Jamie Roberts.
Roberts gives an exclusive insight into his career - from early days at Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf to becoming an Arms Park favourite, and from making the most of what life throws his way to playing his part in helping the local health board during the recent pandemic.
Cardiff Blues Head of Communications and Marketing, Mike Brown, said: "As the capital city region, we are all aware of our responsibility to promote the Welsh language and also the opportunity to engage with new audiences and markets.
"We are fortunate to have numerous players, coaches and staff members, both past and present, who are passionate about the language and by sharing their stories in this medium we can create new, unique content to engage Welsh audiences all over.
"It is just the latest step we have taken in recent years to increase the amount of Welsh language content we produce and also its presence around the iconic Cardiff Arms Park and we look forward to continuing this journey."
Since announcing the commitment alongside Cardiff Council's Bilingual Cardiff at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay in 2018, the region have gradually increased the use of the Welsh language across various aspects of the business.
As well as an increase of Welsh language presence in online content and marketing materials, all new signage at the Arms Park is now bilingual s, first team players have been regularly promoted through Welsh media and there has been co-operation with a number of local Welsh language initiatives and establishments, including Tafwyl.
On the first podcast, Roberts reveals his passion towards Welsh language and highlights the important role it plays in the local community.
Roberts said: “I’m fortunate to be able to speak the Welsh language and I love taking part in stuff like this.
“I don’t get the chance to speak Welsh very often in my day-to-day life and I don’t have many friends with whom I speak Welsh with as a first language.
“But when the opportunity come to speak about rugby through Welsh, I love that and I want to say thank you for the opportunity to do that.
“It’s a pleasure to speak the language and I’m still grateful for attending a Welsh school in Cardiff like Glantaf and I’m grateful of the opportunities that were given to me.”