Sport

WRU facing vote of no confidence as clubs force extraordinary meeting

Published

3 months ago

February 26, 2026

Chair Richard Collier-Keywood under pressure amid growing turmoil in Welsh rugby

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION is set to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) after community clubs formally triggered a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

The governing body confirmed it had received a formal requisition from member clubs, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) district, calling for the meeting to take place. Under WRU rules, 10% of member clubs, around 30 of the nearly 300 across Wales, are required to force an EGM.

In a letter dated February 22, CGRU honorary secretary Derek Davies confirmed the district had secured sufficient backing to meet that threshold.

The WRU must now verify the request to ensure it complies with its constitution and articles of association. Within 21 days of receiving a valid requisition, it must give notice of the proposed EGM date. The meeting itself must then be held within 28 days of that notice.

While no date has yet been announced, the WRU has up to seven weeks from February 22 to stage the meeting, meaning it is likely to take place in late March or early April, after the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship.

This will be the fourth EGM in 12 years. The WRU’s last annual general meeting was held at the end of November 2025, underlining the scale of governance tensions within the Welsh game.

The union had previously described calls for an EGM as an “irresponsible first nuclear option” that would cause “significant damage” to Welsh rugby.

What will be debated?

Three key motions are expected to be discussed.

The first is a vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) chair Malcolm Wall. A simple majority of more than 50% of attending clubs would be required for the motion to pass.
A second motion calls for elections to be held for four elected member board positions within 14 days of the EGM, also requiring a simple majority.
The third seeks to amend how WRU district and council members are elected. That proposal would require a 75% majority to succeed.

In addition, Central Glamorgan has proposed:

An immediate pause on plans to restructure the professional game, alongside a full financial and organisational review.

The creation of a rugby steering group bringing together professional, semi-professional and community representatives, as well as business expertise.

The establishment of a central national academy within three months to oversee talent identification and development for both male and female players.

A proposal that, aside from the WRU chief executive, chair and PRB chair, no directors should receive payment.

A requirement that any future WRU and PRB chair be immersed in Welsh culture, understand Welsh rugby values, ideally speak Welsh and live in Wales.

Political backing for change

The dispute has spilled beyond rugby governance and into the political arena.

According to reporting by ITV News Wales, Labour MP for Swansea West Torsten Bell urged clubs to attend the EGM and use it to “bring an end to the chaos created by the current leadership.”

Fellow Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who represents Swansea East, said transparency and engagement with grassroots clubs were essential, stressing that community voices “matter”.

Meanwhile, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has publicly criticised what he described as a lack of clarity from the WRU over its strategic direction, particularly concerning the future of professional rugby in the city.

Professional game at the heart of the storm

The EGM comes during a period of significant upheaval in Welsh rugby.

At the centre of the crisis is the WRU’s stated intention to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales from four to three, as part of its long-term strategy published in October 2025 following what it described as an extensive consultation process.

The union has indicated that no deal relating to its current restructuring discussions will be completed before March 16.

However, the proposal has raised alarm, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and a proposed deal involving Y11 Sport and Media to purchase Cardiff Rugby.

Swansea Council has applied for a High Court injunction in an attempt to halt the proposed transaction, arguing that the potential loss or weakening of a regional side would have serious implications for the city.

The WRU has argued that structural reform is essential for financial sustainability and elite performance. In a recent statement, it said:

“We recognise that change is challenging, but it is essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales.”

Turmoil on and off the field

On the pitch, Wales have endured a difficult 2026 Six Nations campaign, losing their opening three matches and facing a challenging run-in to the tournament’s conclusion.

For critics, the vote of no confidence reflects frustration not just with results on the field, but with what they see as a disconnect between the WRU’s leadership and the grassroots and regional game.

For supporters of reform within the union, however, the EGM represents a critical juncture: either an endorsement of a painful restructuring process deemed necessary for long-term sustainability, or a rejection of the current leadership’s mandate to carry it out.

With divisions deepening across community clubs, regional teams and political stakeholders, the forthcoming meeting could prove a pivotal moment for the future direction, and governance, of Welsh rugby.

Cover pic: Welsh Rugby Union chairman Richard Collier-Keywood

Sport

Fishguard gears up for first Festival of Sports weekend

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Herald Sport

Harbourside town to host new triathlon and family-friendly sporting events with live music and celebrations

FISHGUARD is preparing to welcome athletes, families and spectators next weekend as a brand-new Festival of Sports comes to town, bringing races, live entertainment and a post-event celebration to the historic harbour.

Organised by Activity Wales Events, the inaugural Fishguard Festival of Sports will see competitors take part in a series of endurance events set against the backdrop of Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastline.

The festival promises scenic race routes, historic surroundings and what organisers describe as “incredible spectator support,” with participants encouraged to make a weekend of the occasion.

Among the attractions are commemorative finisher medals, family-focused participation opportunities and live music taking place across the town throughout the weekend.

One of the more unusual features of the event allows runners to cross the finish line with their children or loved ones, giving families the chance to celebrate together.

Camping will also be available for visitors travelling to the area, while race registration and number collection will take place from 2:00pm on Friday, June 5, at the Phoenix Centre in Fishguard.

Organisers say entries for the sporting events close on Monday, meaning anyone hoping to take part is being urged to sign up quickly.

The festival is expected to provide a welcome boost for local businesses, with competitors and supporters likely to visit pubs, restaurants and shops across Fishguard and Goodwick during the weekend.

A post-race celebration is planned at The Farmers Arms in Fishguard, where participants and supporters will be able to enjoy live entertainment after the events.

Further details and event registration are available through Activity Wales Events.

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Sport

Castrol MEM Rally Team celebrates double podium on Jim Clark Rally

Published

7 days ago

May 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Welsh drivers Meirion Evans and Osian Pryce strengthen British Rally Championship title challenge

CASTROL MEM Rally Team secured its second double podium finish in as many rounds of the 2026 British Rally Championship, with Welsh crews Meirion Evans/Dale Furniss and Osian Pryce/James Morgan finishing second and third on the Jim Clark Rally.

The Borders event, held on Friday and Saturday (May 22 and 23), covered 100 stage miles and proved another strong outing for the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 team.

Lampeter driver Meirion Evans delivered a fast and consistent performance, setting the quickest time on stage two and recording six second-fastest stage times. He was third overnight, just 18.7 seconds off the lead, despite starting one night-time stage with his Toyota’s lamp pod disconnected.

Evans moved into second place after Saturday’s opening daylight stage and held the position to the finish, collecting another valuable haul of championship points.

Osian Pryce, from Machynlleth, made a flying start by setting the fastest time on the opening stage and led the rally early on. He was second at the overnight halt, but his hopes of victory were hit on stage five after a delay at the start left him launching into the Polwarth test on cold Michelin tyres.

The 2022 British Rally Champion overshot, then lost around 25 seconds when he was unable to select reverse, leaving him stranded up an escape road.

Pryce then focused on securing third place and ended the event on a high by setting the fastest time on the tenth and final stage.

A win and a third place from the opening two rounds keeps Pryce at the top of the BRC drivers’ standings, while Evans is just four points behind after two second-place finishes.

Evans said: “We were really strong on the Jim Clark Rally last year, so we came here with hopes that we could fight for the win. We were close, but no cigar.

“Two second place finishes in the BRC so far this year is good. I just need to start winning now.”

Pryce said: “We were fighting for the win but ended up having to consolidate the points available, and I’m not too disappointed with third given how things unfolded.

“We’re still leading the championship, so now the focus shifts to the next round and coming back fighting on the Grampian.”