SPORT CLUBS BACK PLANS TO MAKE MAJOR CHANGES TO GOVERNING BODY
brought this proposal to member clubs this afternoon and equally proud of their club representatives who have voted them through.
“We have consulted extensively with our member clubs throughout Wales since the proposals were first mooted in 2016 and we are confident that we have arrived at the solution which will safeguard the future of our game for many generations to come.
“The governance changes will improve the WRU and provide a governance structure that is modern and fit for purpose.
“These changes will also enable us to better improve diversity within our governance, better representing the interests of everyone involved in our game.
“The key is that the WRU Board is able to take agile decisions and has a broad range of skill sets and experiences, whilst retaining a link to its membership.
“The right people, with the appropriate experience and skills, will be empowered to make decisions for the greater good of Welsh rugby and the proposed structure will protect the vital link to the member clubs.
“These changes will protect the position of Welsh rugby within the global sporting landscape.”
The new board will consist of the chair of the Community Game Board, who would be one of the club representatives elected on to the WRU Council, a further seven council members elected by clubs, three appointed independent directors, including the chair of the Professional Game Board, and the WRU Group chief executive.
Elsewhere, the current structure of nine districts will remain in place.
Annual District Meetings will continue to be held at which each district shall, as required, elect the District Council Member(s) and discuss the development and administration of rugby in that district. ■ The WRU to have a Board of Directors of no more than 12, with each Director to have an appropriate skillset;
■ Term limits on Board members, with the suggestion being a maximum of nine years, made up of three terms of three years;
■ Diversity within governance to better represent the interests of everyone involved in the game;
■ The number of National Directors elected by the clubs to be reduced from three to two;
■ There will be five Club Directors elected from the Community game; ■ Two distinct sub-Boards will be created – the Club Rugby Board and the Professional Rugby Board. The chairs of these will sit on the main WRU Board;
■ The current structure of nine Districts to remain in place;
■ A Community Rugby Council would be established, with each District electing a specified number of representatives.