Cardiff Rugby have received a major boost with the completion of the brand new Matrix Performance Gym in Pentwyn.
The fitness brand agreed a long-term partnership with the Blue and Blacks in October, and quickly designed a new high performance facility.
That has now been built and completed with Cardiff Rugby stepping into the new world-class facility this week.
Cardiff Director of Rugby, Dai Young said: “We were thrilled to agree a new partnership with Matrix earlier this season and knew they would do a fantastic job from previous experience of working together.
“But they have once again exceeded our expectations with the design and installation of this brilliant facility. It takes us to the next level in terms of facilities and will be an important factor in our continuing development and journey.
“The doors opened this week and we were all hugely impressed with the transformation and I know the boys could not wait to get stuck in.
“Trystan (Bevan) deserves a lot of credit for bringing Matrix to the table and working with them to deliver this high performance centre.
“We are enormously grateful to Matrix for their continued support and look forward to working together for many years to come.”
The Matrix Performance Gym combines traditional strength training with a vast array of cardiovascular equipment, including a designated spin studio, to offer variety and versatility.
It has also received a full rebrand to reflect the club’s rich heritage, achievements and long-term ambitions.
Cardiff Rugby Head of Physical Performance, Trystan Bevan, said: “Having worked with Matrix in the past, I knew they would deliver an exceptional training facility and they have done exactly that.
“From start to finish, through the reconfiguration, design and implementation of this new facility, Matrix have been a pleasure to work with and could not do enough for us.
“The equipment is first-class with everything to suit an elite rugby team and cardiovascular extras such as the Matrix climbers, spin studio and more to increase high intensity but low impact fitness sessions.
“While the optics and visuals around the gym are also first-class and enhance that feel of an elite sports environment.”
The Matrix Performance Gym is the first phase of the club’s new High Performance and Health Centre at Pentwyn, and just their latest show of support to Cardiff Rugby.
During the club’s quarantine following the recent Covid-19 affected trip to South Africa, the fitness brand arranged for the delivery of cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines to the players’ individual hotel rooms.
They are also installing a smaller bespoke gym at Cardiff Arms Park, which will offer greater flexibility and versatility in training schedules.
Julian Taylor, Commercial Director of Matrix Fitness added: “At Matrix Fitness, we like to exceed expectations for our customers and partners, not only providing state-of-the-art equipment, but also guidance and expertise in any way we can, from the initial design to the day the doors open and beyond!
“We are so proud to have been able to support the Cardiff Rugby team in bringing their vision for a fantastic, world-class Performance Gym to life. And to have helped them stay fighting fit even through the pandemic. The importance of elite sport and the fitness and health of its players didn’t stop because of Covid-19, and we wanted to do everything we could to ensure that Cardiff Rugby stayed at the top of their game throughout.”
Cardiff Rugby Chief Operating Officer, Rhys Blumberg added: “It has been brilliant to work with Matrix Fitness since they were introduced to us at the beginning season and they have continually gone the extra mile to support us.
“We are enormously grateful to Julian and his team for their incredible support and this excellent new facility, which Dai and Trystan have worked hard to deliver.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Matrix Fitness in the years ahead and are confident our strong links and collaboration can help both companies fulfil and exceed our aims and objectives.”
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