Welsh Rugby Union hit out at ‘short-sighted and debilitating motions’ as civil war intensifies
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have spoken out over clubs calling for an Emergency General Meeting (EGM), describing them as “short-sighted and debilitating motions”.
Earlier this week, reports from BBC Sport emerged that the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, one of nine districts that make up the WRU, had written a letter to clubs calling for support for a motion of no confidence against chair Richard Collier-Keywood.
‘This is not the moment to gamble with Welsh rugby’s future’
In a statement, the WRU said: “The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a stark warning to all member clubs as a letter from a single associate member of the WRU (Central Glamorgan) has been circulated across Wales calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
“The WRU says the proposed motions would reverse hard-won progress, stall vital investment, and jeopardise the prosperity of Welsh rugby at every level.
“What’s at stake:
- £28 million investment in the future – pathways, academies, coaching, talent and insights, and Super Rygbi Cymru. Any delay now means missing the boat for men’s and women’s rugby and undermining long-term success on the field.
- Financial and commercial stability – financial stability, investment, government backing, sponsorships and supporter retention and growth depend on confidence in governance. An EGM would put this at risk.
- Governance integrity – reversing the ground-breaking governance reforms agreed by more than 90% of members as recently as 2023 would drag Welsh rugby back to outdated structures and a return to debilitating factional internal politics.
- The WRU has already delivered a clear, costed plan, backed unanimously by the Board and shaped by the most extensive consultation in Welsh sport. That plan is underway. Every week of uncertainty damages progress.”
Also commenting, president Terry Cobner, chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney said: “This is not the moment to gamble with Welsh rugby’s future with the short-sighted and debilitating motions that have been presented.
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“We have a plan. It was shaped by you. It is published. Let’s deliver it together.”
However, the statement has since been met with widespread criticism from the Welsh rugby public, including iconic ex-international and long-time pundit Jonathan Davies, who took to X to say: “The lack of humility is astounding!!”