The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has engaged specialist executive search firm Gatenby Sanderson to support the appointment of its next independent chair, with the role to be advertised early next week.
The WRU intends for the recruitment process to be completed over the summer and for the new Chair to be in post ahead of the WRU’s next Annual General Meeting in November.
In the interim John Manders assumes a new temporary role as vice-chair and will chair WRU Board meetings. Manders is the nationally elected member who has also chaired the Community Game Board since 2022.
The WRU’s first independently appointed chair Richard Collier-Keywood ran his final Board meeting earlier this month (June) after reaching the end of his three-year term.
The meeting confirmed the new temporary role for Manders as the timeline and structure for the independent recruitment process was set out.
Gatenby Sanderson will also be supporting the recruitment of two independent members of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) – which oversees the professional game on behalf of the WRU and the professional clubs. One of these two new recruits will also be elected chair of PRB by its members, an appointment which in turn commands a place on the WRU Board.
“We will run an independent, thorough and detailed recruitment process and will have a new chair in place as soon as possible and in advance of our AGM in the autumn,” said Manders.
“Whilst this process is ongoing the Board and executive team continue to work in earnest on finalising our plans for the men’s professional game and safeguarding the future of all of Welsh rugby. Next steps, including more detail on how and when changes will be made in advance of the 2028 season, to be outlined in the coming weeks.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Richard for the unquestionable commitment he has shown to Welsh rugby over the last three years. He has made a hugely positive contribution, bringing financial security to the business and taking the lead on a welcome cultural and structural evolution across the game.”