WRU unveils new 'streamlined' executive team

The WRU appointed Abi Tierney as its first female chief executive in 2023

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is to reduce its executive leadership team from nine roles to five as part of a restructure.

The new set-up will consist of a chief operating officer, chief people officer, director of the community game, director of professional rugby and chief growth officer.

The WRU is in the process of recruiting for the latter two posts, director of professional rugby and chief growth officer, which is a new position.

"This new streamlined executive structure gives us a more efficient and more targeted leadership team, as well as giving us the opportunity to bring world-class capability into the organisation," said WRU chief executive Abi Tierney.

Lydia Stirling, who is currently people director, will become chief people officer, with the WRU's governance function now reporting to this role.

Leighton Davies' role of chief financial officer will become chief operating officer, taking added responsibility for all operational aspects of the business, including Principality Stadium, the WRU legal team and company secretary duties.

Following Nigel Walker's departure as executive director of rugby in December, responsibilities for the professional and community games in Wales are currently split between interim performance director Huw Bevan and community director Geraint John.

There will no longer be a commercial and legal director role, which means its incumbent Rhodri Lewis will leave after 14 years at the WRU.

Tierney thanked Lewis for his "significant commitment and contribution to the WRU and Welsh rugby" as she set out her vision for the new chief growth officer role.

"The new chief growth officer will be expected to generate more income for the business, so that more money can be fed back into the game in Wales," the chief executive added.

"Alongside these growth objectives, we have started a cost-saving and efficiency programme which seeks to improve our financial foundations as part of the 'One Wales' strategy.

"Being a more efficient business doesn't mean you turn off investment and we are keen to invest in the right areas to improve our income generation for the benefit of Welsh rugby."

The extended senior leadership team, reporting directly to the new executive team, includes roles in the WRU's legal, HR, marketing, communications, events and stadium facilities departments as well as the newly appointed head of women's rugby, Belinda Moore.