Clubs across Wales are being urged to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to hold a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood. The call has come from Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, which represents clubs in Neath, Port Talbot, Maesteg, and Bridgend.

The district is pushing fellow clubs to secure the 10% support needed to trigger an EGM, which would allow a formal vote to challenge the WRU chair and the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall.

“We feel strongly that clubs and shareholders need to hold the WRU to account, and the only mechanism available at this moment is via an extraordinary general meeting,” the letter from Central Glamorgan reads.

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Background: Leadership Concerns

Richard Collier-Keywood was appointed WRU chair in July 2023, replacing Ieuan Evans, as part of a governance overhaul following a 2023 EGM. A new-look board, including the appointment of the first independent chair, was installed to modernize the WRU’s operations.

However, Central Glamorgan and several clubs feel that the promised reforms have not been delivered, citing:

• A lack of clear strategy for professional, SRC (Super Rugby Cymru), female, and community rugby
• Excessive reliance on expensive consultants
• Ongoing confusion and uncertainty in governance and planning

“This is causing reputational damage to Welsh rugby across the world when we were once held in such high esteem,” the district’s letter adds.

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Proposed Motions for the EGM

Central Glamorgan Rugby Union has outlined three motions for consideration:

1. Vote of no confidence in WRU chair Collier-Keywood and PRB chair Wall (requires majority >50%)
2. Call for elections for the four elected member board positions within 14 days after the EGM (requires >50%)
3. Amendment of WRU council and district election processes (requires 75% majority)

The motions aim to address governance failures and improve accountability within Welsh rugby.

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Additional Recommendations

Alongside the motions, Central Glamorgan has proposed further reforms:

• Immediate hold on plans to restructure the professional game until a full review of finances and operations is completed
• Rugby steering group within three weeks to advise on rugby matters and reduce consultant reliance
• Central national academy within three months to manage talent development for male and female players
• Only the WRU chief executive, chair, and PRB chair should be paid; other directors should serve without salary
• New leadership should have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby, ideally be Welsh-speaking, and reside in Wales

These proposals reflect a desire for grassroots and professional rugby alignment, better financial management, and leadership embedded in Welsh culture.

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WRU Response

The Welsh Rugby Union has acknowledged the correspondence but stated that no formal trigger for an EGM has yet been received. WRU chief executive Abi Tierney emphasized that governance procedures will be followed:

“We published our 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 are working with key stakeholders to agree a consensus on the implementation.”

Tierney also urged collaboration among clubs and stakeholders:

“Change is challenging, but it is essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales. We remain committed to reaching consensus on the next steps in the coming weeks.”

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Context: WRU and Welsh Rugby Challenges

The WRU launched a strategy in October 2025 that included the possibility of cutting one of the four men’s professional sides. So far, progress has stalled, and clubs have expressed frustration over the lack of decisive leadership.

The proposed EGM comes after a year of discontent over governance, finances, and strategy, with some districts arguing that the WRU has failed to adequately support professional, SRC, female, and community rugby.

Central Glamorgan’s call for action signals growing pressure on WRU leadership to deliver accountability and clarity.