WRU warns ‘short-sighted’ EGM proposals risk delay and damage to the whole game in Wales

The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a stark warning to all member clubs as a letter from a single associate member of the WRU (Central Glamorgan) has been circulated across Wales calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

The WRU says the proposed motions would reverse hard-won progress, stall vital investment, and jeopardise the prosperity of Welsh rugby at every level.

What’s at stake:

• £28 million investment in the future – pathways, academies, coaching, talent and insights, and Super Rygbi Cymru.  Any delay now means missing the boat for men’s and women’s rugby and undermining long term success on the field.
• Financial and commercial stability – financial stability, investment, government backing, sponsorships and supporter retention and growth depend on confidence in governance. An EGM would put this at risk.
• Governance integrity – reversing the ground-breaking governance reforms agreed by more than 90% of members as recently as 2023 would drag Welsh rugby back to outdated structures and a return to debilitation factional internal politics.

The WRU has already delivered a clear, costed, plan backed unanimously by the Board and shaped by the most extensive consultation in Welsh sport. That plan is underway. Every week of uncertainty damages progress.

President Terry Cobner, chair Richard Collier-Keywood, and chief executive Abi Tierney, said to the clubs:  “This is not the moment to gamble with Welsh rugby’s future with the short-sighted and debilitating motions that have been presented. We have a plan. It was shaped by you. It is published. Let’s deliver it together.”