Welsh Rugby Union set to face EGM

February 22, 2026 No Comments

Welsh Rugby Union set to face EGM Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Richard Collier-Keywood became the Welsh Rugby Union’s first independent chair in 2023Published42 minutes ago20 Comments

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is set to face an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) with a vote of no confidence to be held in chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

An exact date has yet to be set but the WRU has seven weeks to stage the event.

However it is likely to be held in late March or early April, after the Six Nations.

Demands for an EGM were led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) district – within the Ospreys region – who wrote to clubs in January.

The WRU previously described the prospect of an EGM as an “irresponsible first nuclear option” which would cause “significant damage” to Welsh rugby.

The district has reported it now has the 10% support – about 30 of the near-300 clubs across Wales – required to force the motion.

In a letter seen by the BBC dated 22 February, CGRU honorary secretary Derek Davies reported the district has “submitted the requisition” for an EGM to the WRU.

The date, time and location will be verified by the WRU Board.

What happens now?

The WRU has verified it has received a requisition from the community clubs and outlined the next steps.

The WRU must verify the requisition to ensure it is fully compliant with the process in our Constitution and Articles of Association.
Within 21 days of receipt of a requisition by sufficient member clubs the WRU must give notice of the proposed date of the EGM.
Once notice is given, the EGM itself must be held within 28 days.

So it could be a maximum of seven weeks from 22 February but is unlikely to take that long.

This will be a fourth EGM in 12 years with the previous annual general meeting (AGM) being held at the end of November 2025.

Central Glamorgan has not given an exact figure of clubs who have backed the proposals but thanked “the substantial number of member clubs who have also given their support without the paperwork”.

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What will be discussed at the EGM?

Three motions were initially tabled in January and will be debated at the EGM.

The first is a vote of no confidence in WRU chair Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall, which would require a majority of more than 50% of the clubs that attend the EGM to pass.

The second motion would be for the WRU council to hold elections for the four elected member board position within 14 days after the EGM, which also requires more than 50% of the vote.

The third motion was to amend how the WRU district and council members are elected, which will require a 75% majority.

In addition to the motions, CGRU also put forward the following recommendations:

An immediate hold on plans to amend the structure of the professional game, with a full review of WRU finances and organisation structure to be undertaken to identify where money can be saved (executive and board salaries, consultants) to support the professional, SRC and community game in Wales.
A rugby steering group to be set up within three weeks comprising of people from the professional, SRC and community game along with business sector. This group will be directed to advise on rugby related matters and negate the need for expensive consultants.
A central national academy to be set up within three months to be totally responsible for the identification and development of talent for male and female players.
Except for the WRU chief executive, chair and the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair, no directors (independent non-executive or WRU council members) should be paid.
The new WRU chair and PRB chair appointments should be immersed in Welsh culture, have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby and values, ideally be conversant in the Welsh language and live in Wales.

Welsh rugby turmoil

The EGM news comes at a time of turmoil for Welsh rugby off the field.

Swansea Council has applied for a High Court injunction to halt the proposed deal between the WRU and Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media to buy rivals Cardiff.

Ospreys are under threat of being removed from the professional tier with owners Y11 the WRU’s preferred bidders to buy Cardiff from the governing body.

The WRU wants to cut one professional men’s side in Wales with Ospreys now in the firing line if Y11 buy Cardiff.

The WRU has told Swansea Council a deal will not be completed with Y11 before 16 March.

On the field, Wales, who have lost the opening three games against France, England and Scotland, finish their Six Nations campaign against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday 14 March after travelling to face Ireland in Dublin eight days before.

The WRU statement continued: “The WRU published its plans for the future of the elite game in Wales at the end of October 2025, following an extensive consultation process.

“We are now focused on rolling out that plan and have been working tirelessly with the key stakeholders during the last months to agree a consensus on its implementation.

“This detailed work has been undertaken with the professional clubs, the United Rugby Championship and player representatives, and we remain committed to reaching consensus on the next steps.

“We ask all stakeholders to continue working with us. We recognise that change is challenging, but it is essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales.”