This post was originally published on this site.
Welsh rugby is going through a period of transition, with two new appointments, as well as a new chair, being recruited
The Professional Rugby Board has begun the search for a new chair to succeed Marianne Okland when her term ends.
The recruitment process forms part of a broader refresh of the board, with two independent members set to be appointed. One is expected to take over as chair, assuming a key role in shaping the future of Welsh professional rugby.
Norwegian business woman Ms Okland has been on the PRB board since 2020 and replaced Malcolm Wall as chair on an interim basis in March.
JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more
She has now reached the end of her second three-year term but has agreed to stay on until December 2026 while the recruitment process is concluded.
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 PRB’s Chair also sits on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Board, which is also concurrently seeking to appoint a new independent Chair, as announced last week – all three high level roles are being recruited externally to maximise independence, fairness and transparency, by specialist firm GatenbySanderson.
There is a closing date of Monday, August 3 to apply for the PRB roles.
GatenbySanderson has described the roles as “highly-demanding” and “time-intensive.”
“As an Independent Board Member, you will play a critical role in ensuring the PRB operates as an effective, balanced and high-performing Board, bringing independent perspective, constructive challenge and strategic oversight at a time of complexity and change,” said a GatenbySanderson spokesman.
“You will contribute to shaping strategy, scrutinising financial sustainability and supporting collective decision-making that is in the best interests of professional rugby as a whole, while helping to build alignment across a diverse and highly engaged stakeholder landscape.”
Welsh rugby’s future is uncertain with the WRU intending to reduce the number of professional clubs from four to three by 2028.
The WRU’s Community Game Board Chair, John Manders, is chairing WRU Board meetings as Vice-Chair in the interim until the next independent chair is recruited to replace Richard Collier-Keywood.
“These are two critical new appointments to be made alongside that of the new independent chair of the WRU,” said Manders.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
