The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has appointed Tomos Grace as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective January 2026.
He will join the WRU Executive Leadership team, reporting to CEO Abi Tierney in the New Year. The appointment follows a decision by Leighton Davies, who currently holds the post, to confirm his retirement from the full-time executive role.
Tomos, a Cardiff-born global sports media executive with a distinguished career in the industry, most recently at YouTube and Google, will lead the WRU’s commercial strategy across all areas of the game and its wider business operations.
This includes responsibility for sponsorship, broadcast and digital rights, fan engagement, communications and maximising the potential of Principality Stadium, one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment venues.
The appointment comes at an important time for Welsh rugby and follows two senior leadership recruitments in this area, which will report to Tomos - Director of Marketing and Communications David Ayres, who joined in November, and Commercial Director Dan Gaunt, who was welcomed to the team in the summer.
With sound financial foundations now in place, increased turnover, a 32% improvement in trading profits, the WRU is poised to seize new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Tomos will play a pivotal role in ensuring the WRU brand and its commercial assets deliver maximum value for reinvestment into the game at all levels across Wales.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: “Tomos brings world-class expertise and a deep understanding of both global media and Welsh culture.
“His experience in forging strategic partnerships and driving digital innovation will help us unlock new opportunities for growth across rugby and beyond.
“As we continue to build a sustainable future for the game, his appointment reflects our ambitions to position Welsh rugby at the forefront of commercial and technological advancement.
“Tomos is the ideal fit at the right time to take the helm of a new commercial team at the WRU which will drive our business and help us achieve our ambitions for the game in Wales.
“Finally, may I also pay tribute to Leighton Davies for his outstanding contribution to the business during his time at the Union. He has helped put Welsh rugby back on a sound financial footing and also helped build the significantly enhanced commercial team Tomos will now inherit.”
Tomos Grace said: “I’ve been lucky in my career to work at large organisations in different countries but the opportunity to come home to contribute to the revival of Welsh rugby makes this an irresistible challenge.
“Whether with the national teams or at Principality Stadium, huge commercial opportunities exist. These have one single, clear objective – investment in Welsh rugby.
“We’ll do this by innovating, by learning from global best practice and by working in partnership with our commercial and rugby stakeholders across Wales. I can’t wait to get started.”
Leighton Davies, who initially joined the WRU as Chief Financial Officer in March 2024 added: “It has been a privilege to serve Welsh rugby and to help build a solid financial foundation and a clear plan for record turnover in 2026 and future growth beyond.
“Over the past two years we have delivered a major turnaround, secured landmark partnerships such as the new multi-million-pound food and beverage partnership agreement with Aramark which will deliver significant additional investment into Welsh rugby. We have also built a strong commercial team and with those foundations in place, it’s the right time to pass on the baton for my role on the WRU Executive team. ”
“I wish Tomos and the WRU well and will continue to be a passionate advocate for Welsh rugby.”
The WRU Executive Leadership Team now comprises of CEO Abi Tierney, Dave Reddin as Director of Rugby & Elite Performance, Gavin Marshall as Chief Operating Officer, Geraint John as Community Director, Lydia Stirling as Chief People Officer, and Tomos Grace as Chief Commercial Officer – a world-class team built to lead ambitious change and success for Welsh rugby on and off the field.