Richard Collier-Keywood Becomes WRU's First Independent Chair in 2023
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is preparing to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) featuring a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood.
The specific date for the EGM remains unconfirmed but is expected to take place in late March or early April, following the conclusion of the men's Six Nations tournament. According to WRU regulations, the organisation has up to 49 days to convene the meeting.
The call for the EGM originated from the Welsh district Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, which in January sent a letter to clubs seeking the 10% support threshold necessary to initiate the motion.
Approximately 30 of the nearly 300 Welsh clubs were required to endorse the proposal. Central Glamorgan Rugby Union has stated that they have now secured sufficient backing to trigger the EGM.
In a letter dated 22 February and reviewed by the BBC, Central Glamorgan Rugby Union honorary secretary Derek Davies informed clubs that they have formally "submitted the requisition for an EGM to the WRU." The letter also notes that the WRU Board will confirm the date, time, and venue of the meeting in accordance with the organisation's articles of association.
Next Steps for the WRU
The WRU has acknowledged receipt of the requisition from community clubs and will proceed with its established governance procedures related to such requests.
The WRU must verify that the requisition complies fully with the Constitution and Articles of Association.
Within 21 days of receiving a valid requisition from the requisite number of member clubs, the WRU is obligated to announce the proposed date of the EGM. Following this notice, the EGM must be held within 28 days.
This timeline means the EGM could occur up to seven weeks after 22 February, although it is expected to be scheduled sooner.
This will mark the fourth EGM in 12 years, with the last annual general meeting (AGM) having taken place at the end of November 2025.
Central Glamorgan Rugby Union has not disclosed the exact number of clubs supporting the motion but expressed gratitude to those who submitted forms and the "substantial number of member clubs who have also given their support without the paperwork."
EGM Motions and Proposals
Three motions were initially submitted in January and will be debated during the EGM.
The first motion calls for a vote of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall. This motion requires a majority exceeding 50% of attending clubs to pass.
The second motion proposes that the WRU council conduct elections for the four elected member board positions within 14 days after the EGM, also requiring a majority of more than 50%.
The third motion seeks to amend the election process for WRU district and council members, necessitating a 75% majority for approval.
In addition to these motions, Central Glamorgan Rugby Union has put forward several recommendations:
- Immediate suspension of plans to alter the professional game’s structure, accompanied by a comprehensive review of WRU finances and organisational structure to identify potential savings, including executive and board salaries and consultant fees, aimed at supporting the professional, SRC, and community rugby sectors in Wales.
- Formation of a rugby steering group within three weeks, comprising representatives from the professional, SRC, and community game sectors as well as the business community. This group would advise on rugby-related matters and reduce reliance on costly consultants.
- Establishment of a central national academy within three months, responsible for talent identification and development for both male and female players.
- Restriction of remuneration to only the WRU chief executive, chair, and PRB chair, with no payment to other directors, whether independent non-executive or WRU council members.
- Appointment criteria for new WRU chair and PRB chair to include immersion in Welsh culture, strong understanding of Welsh rugby and its values, proficiency in the Welsh language, and residency in Wales.
Ongoing Challenges in Welsh Rugby
The announcement of the EGM coincides with a period of significant off-field challenges for Welsh rugby.
Swansea Council has applied for a High Court injunction to prevent the proposed transaction between the WRU and Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media to acquire Cardiff Rugby.
The Ospreys face the possibility of removal from the professional tier, with Y11 identified by the WRU as preferred bidders to purchase Cardiff from the governing body.
The WRU intends to reduce the number of professional men's teams in Wales by one, placing the Ospreys under scrutiny if Y11 completes the acquisition of Cardiff.
The WRU has informed Swansea Council that no deal with Y11 will be finalized before 16 March.
On the field, Wales has lost its first three Six Nations matches against France, England, and Scotland. The team is scheduled to conclude its campaign with a home game against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday, 14 March, following an away match against Ireland in Dublin eight days prior.
The WRU issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to the future of elite rugby in Wales:
"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."
