Richard Collier-Keywood to leave WRU

by The TRU Team Friday 27 March 2026

WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood will step down in July amid growing pressure over Welsh rugby plans to cut a professional team.

©PA

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chairman Richard Collier-Keywood will step down in July at the end of his term, in a major development during a turbulent period for the game in Wales.

His planned exit comes amid strong criticism over the WRU’s strategy to reduce the number of professional men’s teams from four to three and ongoing pressure from clubs, supporters and former players.

Richard Collier-Keywood To Leave WRU In July

Collier-Keywood’s departure will come at the conclusion of his current term this summer. The announcement follows months of scrutiny over his leadership, particularly around the union’s proposed professional restructure.

He had been facing the prospect of an extraordinary general meeting linked to efforts to challenge the current direction of the WRU, making his exit one of the most significant recent changes in Welsh rugby governance.

WRU Professional Rugby Plan Sparks Backlash

The biggest source of tension has been the WRU’s plan to cut one of Wales’ four professional sides as part of a wider reform package.

The proposal has drawn criticism from politicians, fans and former players, with opponents questioning both the business case and the long-term impact on Welsh rugby.

While the WRU board had previously backed the strategy, recent pressure has increased calls for more transparency over how the decision was reached.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first independent WRU chair.

"My term as chair comes to an end in July 2026 and I have been reflecting with the Board on what should happen next.

"We wanted to make this announcement to enable the recruitment process to start and before the EGM is held on 13 April 2026 so everyone goes into the EGM process with the benefit of the same knowledge.

“Over the course of the last few years, the new Board has made key decisions unanimously despite the very difficult choices we have had to face. I am fully committed to serving out the remainder of my term, subject of course, to the outcome of the EGM".