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WRU ditch eight directors in 'pivotal moment' for union

By Online Editors
Members at the AGM today.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have voted to cut eight directors after what’s been described as a pivotal AGM in Wales.

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Members of the WRU approved a proposal to modernise the governance structures of the game and “revolutionise rugby in Wales for generations to come,” at today’s Annual General Meeting,

Representatives of the 320 members, clubs and districts of the WRU provided in excess of the necessary 75% majority, at the AGM held at the Vale Resort, Hensol, to pass the proposals which were first mooted in 2016.

The main changes reduce the WRU Board in size from 20 to 12 Directors – in accordance with corporate best practice and complying with the ‘Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales’ – underneath which a WRU Council will be established together with a Community Game Board (CGB).

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The WRU states that the re-structuring means a smaller, more agile WRU Board will oversee the game in Wales, alongside the Council which will determine and oversee the strategy for the community game.

“The importance of the changes that have been approved today cannot be overstated, this is one of the most significant moments in the 130 year history of the Welsh Rugby Union and I truly believe today’s vote will allow us to lead the way in the world game in the years to come,” said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.

“Welsh rugby should be proud of the current Board members who brought this proposal to member clubs this afternoon and equally proud of their club representatives who have voted them through.

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“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 new WRU Board will consist of the Chair of the Community Game Board – one of the club representatives elected onto the WRU Council – a further seven Council members, all elected onto the Council by clubs (being five District Council Members and two National Council Members), three appointed Independent Directors (including the Chair of the Professional Rugby Board – subject to signing ‘Project Reset’) and the Group chief executive.

The WRU Board has already approved the changes so the new structure is expected to be in place shortly following the end of the 2019 Six Nations Championship with relevant changes to be made to its Articles of Association immediately.

“This is a pivotal moment for Welsh Rugby,” added Davies.

“The governance changes will improve the WRU and provide a governance structure that is modern and fit for purpose.

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“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 current structure of nine districts will remain in place and each district will continue to meet as determined by that district.

Annual District Meetings will continue to be held at which the district shall, as required, elect the District Council Member(s) and discuss the development and administration of rugby in that district.

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Trevor 47 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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