Amanda Blanc to leave role as PRB chair and WRU board

Amanda Blanc was the third woman to join the Welsh Rugby Union board

Amanda Blanc will step down from her role as chair of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and the board of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Blanc was appointed to the post in December 2019, following inaugural chair David Lovett into the role.

The 54-year-old, who has been the chief executive of financial firm Aviva since July 2020, will remain as PRB chair until her successor is appointed.

No reason has been given for Blanc's departure from the PRB and WRU roles.

The PRB was created in 2018 and is responsible for running professional rugby in Wales on behalf of the WRU and each of the four regional sides.

Its board consists of senior representatives from the WRU and each of the regions alongside two independently appointed members, including its chair.

A statement from the four regions expressed their sadness at Blanc stepping down.

The statement read: "Amanda was the exact calibre of businessperson required to drive the game forward in Wales and we would like to thank her for all of her efforts during the last two years.

"Amanda navigated the game through the unforeseen and unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked with integrity, professionalism, empathy and commitment throughout.

"During her tenure Amanda has championed collaboration, cooperation, discussion and debate between the regions for the betterment of the entire professional game.

"We will continue to work with our colleagues at the WRU to ensure a suitable successor is found, with the jurisdiction and ability to drive the professional game and ensure its continued competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global rugby landscape."