Wales’ four professional clubs - Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets Rugby - and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association welcome the findings of the independent review of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
Thirty six recommendations have been made by the panel, which was led by former High Court judge Dame Anne Rafferty, and also included former England international Maggie Alphonsi and mediator and former Sale Sharks chair Quentin Smith.
The professional game in Wales has called for reform for many years, because it was clear that change was needed.
We unanimously support the sentiments captured within the letters of Amanda Blanc and Hayley Parsons OBE and we are now grateful to the expert panel for their recommendations.
It is both critical these recommendations are implemented promptly, but also that the WRU focuses and displays the strong leadership that has been absent on the many challenges that have faced our game post the Covid-19 pandemic.
This collaborative support includes a strong demand for the recommended clear equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, with demonstrable visible and vocal leadership.
All four professional clubs, as well as the Welsh Rugby Players Association, now look forward to working with the newly appointed WRU board and executive to deliver a long-term strategy for the game at all levels and a culture of transparency, accountability and success.
A successful professional game in Wales is not only the goal, but a necessity to drive revenue to sustain and develop the game at all levels.
