Wall to leave WRU and PRB roles amid big changes

Malcolm Wall will leave his role as independent chair of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) on Saturday with "issues unresolved".

The former Harlequins chairman has been in the position since March 2022 and will be replaced on an interim basis by independent non-executive member Marianne Okland.

Wall's three-year term was extended at the request of PRB members and finishes this weekend at a crucial time for the professional game.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is pushing on with plans to cut the number of men's teams from the current four – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff, Dragons – to three with one in the west, one in the capital and one in the east.

"The last few years have been a challenging time for Welsh rugby at all levels and it is unavoidable that my term has come to its natural end with some issues unresolved," said Wall.

The chair of the PRB also sits on the board of the WRU.

The WRU is facing an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in which there will be a vote of no confidence in the chair of the governing body, Richard Collier-Keywood, and the chair of the PRB.

It is not yet clear whether the departure of Wall will change the proposal by clubs from the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) district, while Collier-Keywood's term as chair is also scheduled to end later this year.

Wall stated that the WRU "has done much to improve and evolve the governance, culture and financial status" but admits there are challenges facing the men's professional game.

"From my perspective, change needs to include the planned investment in pathways, player and coach development along with a centralised resource providing sports science and analysis to the senior teams," said Wall.

"It also needs greater funding for the professional clubs.

"As the smallest tier one rugby nation, Wales needs to be the smartest. This needs resourcing alongside a collective will.

"It is not always easy and change brings upheaval – but I have no doubt that the indomitable spirit of Welsh rugby will prevail."

The PRB was formed in 2019 to oversee the professional game on behalf of the WRU and the four clubs.

Okland joined the PRB as a second independent non-executive member alongside Amanda Blanc, who had succeeded inaugural chair David Lovett, in 2020.

The rest of the board features a senior representative from each of the clubs, the chair of the Welsh Rugby Players Association and two senior figures from the governing body.

Okland, a Norway-born financier, will be chair as negotiations continue on new licence agreements.

"As the WRU works with the professional clubs on the future structure of elite rugby, the responsibilities and composition of the PRB may evolve," said a statement by the governing body.

Okland's second three-year term also ends this summer, when the WRU intends to complete and external recruitment process for new independent PRB members.

"Our interim arrangement gives us the flexibility to complete a robust appointment process while continuing to work constructively with the professional clubs on the future structure of elite rugby," said Collier-Keywood.