Abi Tierney Becomes First Female WRU Chief Executive
Abi Tierney assumed the role of Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive in January 2024. She has issued a warning that further delays in implementing controversial proposals for the professional rugby game could cause Wales to fall further behind its competitors.
The WRU's plan involves reducing the number of men's professional teams from four to three, a move that has faced criticism from supporters and politicians alike. Despite opposition, the WRU intends to proceed with these plans.
Tierney made these remarks during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the WRU held at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which lasted three hours. However, she did not provide an update on the process for determining which professional team will be cut, as no agreement has yet been reached with the existing regional sides: Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons. Additionally, no further details were disclosed regarding the WRU's plans to sell Cardiff to the Ospreys' owners.
Why Were the Three EGM Motions Dropped?
The Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) initially secured the required 10% support from Welsh clubs to call the EGM. It had proposed three motions, including a vote of no-confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall. The third motion concerned governance changes, specifically how the four council WRU members—who sit on the governing body's board—are elected.
Subsequently, it was announced that both Collier-Keywood and Wall would be leaving their respective roles. Former Harlequins chairman Wall was replaced on an interim basis by Marianne Okland, and the process to replace Collier-Keywood has commenced.
Following these announcements, the CGRU wrote to clubs stating it would withdraw the motions and believed the EGM should be cancelled. The WRU rejected calls to cancel the meeting, citing legal obligations that require it to proceed.
The governing body contacted member clubs to confirm if there were any objections to withdrawing the resolutions from the EGM, noting that 40 of the original 50 member clubs that requisitioned the meeting had proactively withdrawn their support. No objections were raised at the start of the meeting, and the motions were dropped.
Approximately 124 clubs out of 284 member clubs and districts were represented at the meeting, either in person or online, ensuring the meeting could be held.
'Future of Rugby in Wales'
The meeting featured a WRU presentation lasting over 90 minutes on the future of rugby in Wales, with contributions from departing chair Collier-Keywood, Tierney, director of rugby Dave Reddin, and community director Geraint John.
Collier-Keywood is set to be replaced in the summer, with the WRU engaging an external consultant to assist in appointing his successor. In his departing speech, Collier-Keywood highlighted that disputes with the regional sides had consumed more of his time during his three-year tenure than any other issues.
Tierney explained the rationale for maintaining the plan to reduce to three teams, while Reddin described the proposed pathway programme but acknowledged that the system could not be established until an agreement was reached with the professional teams and funding was secured.
This was followed by a robust question and answer session lasting an hour and a half. Questions included why the WRU bailed out Cardiff and why the governing body continues to employ external consultants.
Former Principality chief operating officer Rob Regan, a public critic of the WRU's decision to drop a side, asked the board to outline what mistakes had been made over the past two years to help regain public trust.
Tierney reflected on whether the WRU had taken too long to secure a new agreement with the men's professional sides.
"I wondered whether the WRU had taken too long to get a new agreement with the men's professional sides," Tierney stated.
Collier-Keywood concurred, stating that efforts to maintain four sides for too long and Cardiff's takeover made them realize that the benefactor model of Welsh rugby was unsustainable.
"We tried to maintain four sides for too long and Cardiff's takeover made us realise the benefactor model of Welsh rugby was not sustainable for Wales," Collier-Keywood said.
Tierney confirmed that ticket sales from the Autumn Nations and Six Nations tournaments were below budget, citing a £6 million shortfall as mentioned during a district meeting.
"Ticket sales from the Autumn Nations and Six Nations were below budget," Tierney noted, referencing a £6 million shortfall.
She also affirmed that Collier-Keywood's departure would not affect the plans to reduce to three teams.
CGRU representative Chris Morgan advocated for retaining four teams and urged the WRU to collaborate with Regan and reassess the three-team plan. He also questioned whether there was sufficient rugby experience on the WRU board, claims that the governing body denied.
Outstanding Matters
In January, the WRU announced that Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media were the preferred option to purchase Cardiff, a process that remains ongoing.
This proposal has faced criticism and protests from fans and politicians. Swansea Council has initiated legal action against the WRU amid concerns over the Ospreys' long-term viability.
The WRU has sought to reassure stakeholders that the Cardiff takeover by Ospreys is not connected to their efforts to reduce the number of professional sides, insisting publicly that the two issues are separate. Tierney reiterated at the EGM that no decision has been made regarding which three teams would be awarded licences.
The governing body has stated that if it cannot reach a consensus with the regions on losing a professional side, a tender process will be conducted.
Separately, the WRU is involved in legal action initiated by the Scarlets concerning the Cardiff takeover, with both parties declining to publicly disclose details of the case.
When directly asked about the outcome of the Scarlets case, Tierney declined to comment.
