Gallacher takes regions' WRU role

Gallacher took over from David Moffett as RRW chief executive

Welsh rugby regions' chief executive Stuart Gallacher has been appointed to the Welsh Ruby Union directors' board.

The ex-Scarlets boss takes over from Newport Gwent Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins, who steps down as Regional Rugby Wales' representative.

WRU boss Roger Lewis said: "I am confident he will act in the best interests of the WRU at all times and be a voice for the four regions."

RRW and the WRU are in a long-running dispute over the game's management.

Lewis added: "The directors of the WRU play a pivotal role in the union as guardians of our rules of governance.

"Welsh rugby is owned by its member clubs and the board makes sure that their interests are protected.

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"Stuart Gallacher has spent a lifetime championing our national sport and undoubtedly has the knowledge, the experience and the passion to make an important contribution."

Ex-Wales and Llanelli player Gallacher became RRW chief executive when his acting predecessor David Moffett's term in the role ended in May.

That appointment was made shortly after Gallacher retired his role with the Scarlets.

Moffett returned to Wales in October 2008 and waded straight into a confrontation with the WRU over the release of players for Wales international training sessions.

That row ended with the union winning a High Court ruling forcing the regions to release players for training ahead of the opening Autumn Test against South Africa.

Gallacher's RRW role is to help see through protracted negotiations with the union over how the professional game is run and funded.

But, as yet, no fresh agreement has been reached over the long term structure of the game in Wales.