The AGM, to be held at The Vale Resort on Sunday 14th October, will need a 75% majority to pass the proposals which were first mooted in 2016 and have been fine-tuned over a series of consultations with clubs, districts and the existing Board over the past year.
The main changes proposed mean that, if approved by members, the WRU Board would be reduced in size from 20 to 12 Directors – in accordance with corporate best practice and complying with the ‘Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales’ – and that a WRU Council would be established alongside a new Professional Game Board and a Community Game Board.
The new WRU Board would consist of the Chair of the Community Game Board – one of the club representatives elected onto the WRU Council – a further seven Council members, all elected onto the Council by clubs, three appointed Independent Directors (including the Chair of the Professional Game Board) and the Group chief executive.
The WRU Board has already approved the proposed changes which have been widely publicised and, if the clubs vote them through, the new structure is expected to be in place shortly following the end of the 2019 Six Nations Championship.
“This is a pivotal moment for Welsh Rugby,” said Davies, in his letter to clubs.
“The WRU Board believes that the Governance changes will improve the WRU and provide a governance structure that is modern and fit for purpose.
“These changes will also enable us to better improve diversity within our governance, better representing the interests of everyone involved in our game.
“The key is that the WRU Board is able to take agile decisions and has a broad range of skill sets and experiences, whilst retaining a link to its membership.
“There is only one Special Resolution proposed, so the Governance changes will either be approved (in which case they will be implemented) or they will be rejected (in which case they will not take effect).”
To assist members to consider the proposed Governance changes, Davies has enclosed an extensive briefing document which provides a detailed explanation of what the WRU is proposing and outlines the changes that will be made to its Articles of Association if the proposal is approved.
“The right people, with the appropriate experience and skills, will be empowered to make decisions for the greater good of Welsh rugby,” the document explains.
“The Board also believes that the proposed structure will protect the vital link to the member clubs and it is felt these changes are necessary to protect the position of Welsh rugby within the global sporting landscape.”
The proposals remain broadly the same as those which have been presented to clubs at District meetings throughout the year although, after feedback from clubs, it has been concluded that an election process overseen by the Board will determine which Council members join the WRU Board, as opposed to these members being selected pursuant to an appointment process.
Elsewhere the current structure of nine districts will remain in place and each district could continue to meet as determined by that district.
Annual District Meetings will continue to be held at which the district shall, as required, elect the District Council Member(s) and discuss the development and administration of rugby in that district.
“The WRU Board hopes that you (the clubs) will support the proposed Governance changes and approve the Board’s proposals at the Annual General Meeting,” adds Davies.
