It's more than five years since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of Wrexham AFC. People talk about the "Rob and Ryan effect" to describe how a "crazy idea" turned into a worldwide phenomenon. But there's more to their devotion to their adopted Welsh home than the Red Dragons' run of promotions to the 2026 EFL Championship.
If you've watched Welcome to Wrexham or followed their story, you'll know their love of Wales isn't a publicity stunt. Here's what Rob and Ryan admire most about the home of the Red Dragon:
1. A Resilient Community
Ryan Reynolds once said he admired Welsh people because they have the heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter. He and Rob often talk about how tough and determined Wrexham's working-class community is, and say that's what drew them to the town. For Rob it's personal: he grew up in a working-class part of Philadelphia and saw the similarity straight away. In both places the local team is a big part of community life.
2. A Beautiful Story 167 Years in the Making
Reynolds often says Wrexham has one of the most beautiful stories on Earth. They see themselves less as owners than as caretakers of a 167-year-old club, and the fans' loyalty moved them, especially the way they stuck with the team through decades of struggle.
3. The Language and Culture
They haven't just spent money on a stadium. They've made a real effort with Welsh identity. The Language: Both have tried hard to learn and promote Welsh, and often use phrases like Cymru am byth (Wales forever) and Diolch (thank you) in interviews around the world. The Anthem: Rob McElhenney has called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau one of the prettiest national anthems. National Pride: In 2025 they celebrated the National Eisteddfod coming to Wrexham, which says a lot about how much Welsh culture means to them.
4. The Landscape and Places Nearby
The Racecourse Ground may be their church, but they love the Welsh scenery too; they've called it simply breathtaking. Thanks to them, Wrexham has become a starting point for tourism in North Wales, and people who come for the football are staying on to see the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk Castle and the wild valleys nearby.
5. A Payback That Can't Be Measured
The town often thanks them for the £1bn boost to the local economy, but Rob and Ryan say it's the other way round. What they've had back from Wales in passion, pride and new ways of seeing things is, they say, impossible to put a number on. As Ryan said during the 2025/26 season, "What this town has given us is so much more than anything we could ever give it."
Planning your own trip to the home of the Red Dragons?
At Celticos we specialise in responsible tours of North Wales that take you beyond the stadium and into Welsh life and culture.
