A new £4m National Centre of Excellence near Cardiff, designed to provide elite training facilities for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), has been officially opened by first minister Rhodri Morgan.

Players selected to represent the Welsh international rugby union teams at all levels will train at the centre, which is located at the Vale Resort, Hensol, and boasts three outdoor pitches with external skills training zones. One of the three pitches is fitted with an all-weather surface and floodlights in order for it to be used day and night all year round. The second pitch has also been equipped with floodlights, while the third is the same size as the pitch at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - Wales' national rugby stadium.

The main National Centre of Excellence building boasts two administration and training blocks, changing rooms, team rooms, a gym and an indoor 3G pitch, as well as accommodation for the national team's backroom staff. Facilities also include accommodation for the Wales international pathway structure and the national academy in order to provide an effective means of developing fresh rugby talent.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "This centre represents a statement to the rest of the world that we are truly committed to the priority of creating a winning Wales team which will be the driving force to sustain our national sport for generations to come. "The creation of a National Centre of Excellence shows we understand the need to invest in talent and provide the finest support structures we can possibly offer."

Morgan added: "This facility will give our elite national squads the best possible opportunity to gain an edge and win those games where an extra two or three percent is the difference between success and defeat." The Sports Council for Wales contributed £1.5m towards the construction cost of the facility, along with £1m from the WRU. According to the WRU, the overall £4m cost will also incorporate capital and running costs.