The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)’s Community Game Chair John Maunders has reiterated the Union’s three-region plan as the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) begins its search for a new Chair.

The current interim chair – Marianne Okland – was appointed to PRB in 2020, and has reached the end of her second three year term, but has agreed to stay on until December 2026 whilst the recruitment process is concluded.

Okland, a Norwegian businesswoman, took over as interim chair of PRB in March 2026 when Malcolm Wall reached the end of his tenure.

Two independent members of the PRB are set to be appointed, with the WRU confirming that one of the new recruits is expected to be the new chair.

The WRU’s Community Game Board Chair John Manders, who is chairing WRU Board meetings as Vice-Chair in the interim whilst its next independent chair is recruited, commented on the news.

“These are two critical new appointments to be made alongside that of the new independent chair of the WRU,” said Maunders.

“Governance changes at the WRU, voted through by over 97% of our member clubs in 2023, have helped us to appoint a diverse range of individuals from the professional world to our boards, and to increase diversity on committees throughout the game.

“There has been a positive sea change in, not only our board culture, but also our efficiency and effectiveness as a result.

“The PRB chair, and second independently appointed PRB member, will be right at the heart of our strategic delivery to Welsh rugby and vital to helping us safeguard the future of our professional game.

“The right candidates can make a real and positive difference to our sport.”

Maunders also reaffirmed the WRU’s intention to cut one of the four regions in the next two seasons.

“The WRU remains undeterred from its plans to modernise its professional structure and move to three men’s professional teams by the start of the 2028 season,” he added.

“We are grateful to both Malcolm Wall, who was PRB Chair until last March and the interim Chair Marianne Okland, for their significant contributions to the betterment of Welsh rugby.”

The PRB oversees strategy, performance and financial sustainability, bridging together WRU leadership, professional clubs, player representation and independent voices to help guide the direction of Welsh rugby.

The PRB includes representatives from all four professional teams – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – along with the chair of the Welsh Rugby Players Association and two senior figures from the governing body to govern the professional game.

The chair of the Professional Rugby Board also sits on the WRU board, which is also seeking a new chair, following the imminent departure of Richard Collier-Keywood.

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