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Manders promoted to WRU vice-chair role

John Manders has been promoted to the Welsh Rugby Union vice-chair roleImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption,

John Manders is a WRU nationally elected member who has also chaired the Community Game Board since 2022

WRU board member John Manders has been promoted to a new temporary vice-chair position and will chair meetings.

“While 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,” stated Manders.

“Next steps, including more detail on how and when changes will be made in advance of the 2028 season, will be outlined in the coming weeks.”

The WRU holds the licences for the Welsh professional men’s sides competing in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions.

In October 2025 it proposed to cut one of those teams and award three new licences, one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west.

Ospreys and Scarlets are thought to be the two men’s sides most under threat as they battle for the west licence.

If no internal agreement between the WRU and the four professional sides could be reached, the governing body stated it might look at a tender process to decide who would be given the licences.

The WRU has appointed external consultants Gatenby Sanderson, who are described as a specialist executive search firm, to support the chair recruitment process.

Collier-Keywood, the WRU’s first independently appointed chair, will step down after completing his three-year term in charge.

“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,” stated Manders.

“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.”

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 four 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.

Former PRB chair Malcolm Wall stepped down in March with Marianne Okland taking over on an interim basis.

Related topics

  • Rugby Union
  • Welsh Rugby
  • Ospreys
  • Scarlets
  • Dragons
  • Cardiff

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