At an emergency general meeting (EGM) of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) last night, Union chief executive Abi Tierney addressed some key questions facing the organising body.

The EGM, which had initially tabled three different resolutions for consideration – including votes of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall – went ahead despite the clubs withdrawing each at the final hour, meaning no vote was held.

Tierney, the WRU’s chief executive officer, then took the opportunity to present to the clubs about the way forward for the professional game in Wales, before fielding a host of questions from 124 members attending.

The WRU doubled down on its plans to cut the number of professional clubs from four to three.

With Collier-Keywood departing in the summer, WRU president thanked the Union’s chair for leading the organisation ‘from the front’.

“Whoever takes over from Richard has the biggest of shoes to fill,” said Cobner.

“Richard leaves Welsh rugby this summer in a significantly better status than when he found it. He has led from the front, proudly and with his love for Wales and Welsh rugby at the heart of everything he has done.

“Thank you, Richard for all that you have done for Welsh rugby.”

Tierney echoed this message when interviewed by the assembled media.

“I, probably more than anybody, have seen the effort and commitment he’s put in during the past three years,” she added.

“He stepped in and became more hands-on when I was off, so I was massively grateful for that on a personal level.”

The meeting also heard from Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin, Community Rugby Director Geraint John, Chief Commercial Officer Tomos Grace, Board members Colin Wilks and Marianne Okland and Chief People Officer Lydia Stirling.

It was Tierney, though, who fielded the majority of the attendees’ questions, including on the future of the professional game.

The Union reiterated its commitment to cutting a professional region, in order to free up money to reinvest into the grassroots and pathways of the Welsh rugby ecosystem.

“I think if we remain with the status quo we’ll continue to see uncompetitive regional teams,” said Tierney.

“As a result of that you potentially will lose benefactors over time, fan numbers will continue to drop, players won’t want to play there.

“So there’s lots of risks around this.”

However, there is still some confusion over how this will come about. With the news that Y11 are the WRU’s preferred bidder to buy Cardiff Rugby, many have speculated that Ospreys – who Y11 also own – would be in danger of ceasing to exist.

In addition to this, the WRU has had to deal with legal action instigated by Scarlets over the Cardiff takeover with both sides refusing to publicly release details of the case.

All that Tierney could confirm was that the four regions would be playing in the United Rugby Championship next season.

“I wish I could give information, and I keep getting asked that question lots of different ways, but I can’t give you a date at the moment,” Tierney said.

“We’re in complex processes and they are difficult decisions that are going to last a generation.

“We’ve got to make sure they’re not rushed, they are the right decisions and in the best interest of Welsh rugby.”

Tierney also confirmed the WRU is down £6m on forecasted ticket sales for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series and 2026 Six Nations.

In the short term, the Union will began of process of finding a new independent chair in May once Collier-Keywood formally steps down in the summer.

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