Welsh Rugby Union confirm new chairman

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced Robert Butcher as its new chairman, replacing the departing Gareth Davies.

Davies ended his six-year tenure at the Union’s annual general meeting last week and Butcher has become the fifth WRU chairman of the professional era.

He was officially appointed at a meeting held online on Sunday, beating fellow board member Ieuan Evans to the role.

“It’s an absolute honour to take on the chairmanship of the Welsh Rugby Union at this hugely significant moment in the history of our great game, I am genuinely proud and humbled to be appointed and can promise I will give my all to serve our game,” Butcher said.

“I look forward to working with Ieuan Evans, the rest of the board and the executive as we continue to navigate the impact the ongoing pandemic has had on our game. We will survive this, but our actions now will determine how quickly we get back up to speed.”

Chief executive Steve Phillips added: “Rob has shown throughout the current election process that he has the very best interests of Welsh rugby at heart and I look forward to forging a strong partnership in the weeks and months ahead in order to realise the WRU’s vision for the future of our game.”