WRU announce former player as new chair in ‘major coup’

The WRU have found a replacement for Richard Collier-Keywood as the most powerful man in Welsh rugby

By Steffan Thomas · Wales Online

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

The WRU has named former player and businessman Lyndon Faulkner as its new independent chair.
Faulkner replaces Richard Collier-Keywood and will assume the position ahead of the AGM on November 22.
The appointment comes as the WRU restructures Welsh professional rugby from four teams down to three.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced former player and experienced businessman Lyndon Faulkner as its new independent chair. The 66-year-old replaces Richard Collier-Keywood after beating out contenders including Harry Bowcott and Mark Rhydderch-Roberts. Faulkner is scheduled to officially assume the leadership role by the WRU's Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 22.

Faulkner joins during a major restructuring as the union plans to reduce professional clubs from four to three by 2028. A former player for Newport and Pontypool, Faulkner built an extensive corporate career holding senior executive roles at Microsoft, Technicolor, and Pelican Products.

Read the full article on Wales Online

WRU announce former player as new chair in ‘major coup’

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