So, what is it really like to walk along the corridors of power at WRU HQ, albeit virtually?
Manders’ fresh eyes have been opened whilst embracing everything his new role has to offer and joining work on a new Community Rugby Strategy, in particular, has put him straight at the heart of matters from the outset.
“This new strategy will be hugely positive for the community game,” he said.
“The consultation process has been exhaustive and Geraint John and his team should be commended for the work and consultation process thus far and we will continue to evolve the strategy in consultation with member clubs, which is hugely important.
“I look forward to giving the strategy my full support and see this as the way forward for Welsh rugby.
“As chairman of a club myself I was part of the original consultation process and attended one of the support groups held by Geraint that helped create the document, so it has been fascinating to now also work on it from a Council perspective.”
The Old Illtydian chairman was elected to replace Mark Taylor on the WRU Council in July, after the former Welsh international resigned mid-term.
This meant an extremely short induction period and, whilst newly elected members are normally installed at an AGM, Manders moved from clubman to National Council representative with almost immediate effect.
“I’m still finding my feet to be honest, I’ve only been to a few meetings, but my immediate focus has been on the new (Community Rugby) Strategy,” he continued.
“From my perspective this is going to be an excellent working document for clubs and they remain in pole position to influence it as it evolves.”
Since joining the Council he has also been impressed with the attention and focus paid to the community game amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
“During the pandemic, the financial support clubs have received from the WRU, and the measures, advice and instruction offered on returning to rugby has been spot on, in what are unprecedented and difficult times for everyone.
“This strategy is definitely working. In the midst of a crisis the Union has reacted and done an extremely good job.
“The engagement has been excellent, we have been receiving weekly updates directly and I myself have attended webinars alongside more than 400 fellow members of the rugby community in Wales, in an attempt to keep clubs as updated as we possibly can.”
