The WRU did not replace former boss David Moffett

"We will not only be looking in Wales, the best candidate for the job will be named, we'll leave no stone unturned," said WRU chairman David Pickering.

A five-man WRU panel meets this week to decide which of four head-hunting firms will lead their recruitment effort.

"Our aim is to make an appointment before the Annual General Meeting in September," said Pickering.

It is probable that people from within the Union will apply as well as the external candidates WRU chairman David Pickering

"This is a unique position in Welsh culture and it is vital that it is filled by someone of outstanding ability.

"It is probable that people from within the Union will apply as well as the external candidates."

The Union originally claimed that the group chief executive role had become redundant after Moffett's departure last December.

But pressure from their member clubs culminating in last month's Extraordinary General Meeting forced a rethink.

It remains unclear whether the new man will replace WRU chief executive Steve Lewis or whether Lewis and Millennium Stadium boss Paul Sergeant will remain.

Former Wales fly-half Gareth Davies is the early favourite for the job, thought to be worth around �280,000 per annum.

Davies' CV includes a spell as Cardiff RFC chief executive, he is a former head of BBC Wales Sport, and he was chairman of the Sports Council for Wales.