Richard Collier-Keywood to replace Ieuan Evans as WRU chair

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced Richard Collier-Keywood will be replacing Ieuan Evans as a new chair.

The decision was taken following a voting process with more than 90% of rugby clubs opting for a change.

Evans, who is also Chair of the British and Irish Lions joined the WRU initially in 2020 before becoming their chair two years later.

"This new Chair appointment is a trigger for everything else that we have been campaigning for in terms of modernising the Welsh Rugby Union and so, despite the fact that it means stepping down myself, I am delighted to be handing over to Richard [Collier-Keywood]," he told.

"This is a critical moment as we create a Board composition to drive the game and the organisation forward."

The decision for a change comes after the WRU were hit by allegations of sexism and misogyny within the organisation.

"I know Ieuan has been an advocate for change and modernisation since he joined the Board, but he relentlessly campaigned since his appointment as chair in 2022 and he will be rightly credited in the history books as the man who modernised Welsh rugby’s governance structure," said the new chair Collier-Keywood.

"Member clubs voted through Ieuan’s proposals and the whole game deserves credit for the point we have reached today, but Ieuan and his Board have been the catalyst for change.

"Ieuan has led on many positive changes for Welsh rugby including the progress that has been made in the professional game and we remain committed to the success of our professional teams and to sustainability across the game in Wales.

"The onus now is on those of us joining the Board to continue this work."