Sport

WRU facing vote of no confidence as clubs force extraordinary meeting

Published

2 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

News

Haverfordwest County AFC escapes winding-up order but ordered to pay costs

Published

16 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Club avoided liquidation in case remained live until it came before a judge at the High Court in London

A WINDING-UP petition brought by HM Revenue & Customs against Haverfordwest County AFC Ltd reached the High Court in London before being dismissed on Wednesday (Apr 15).

The case was heard at 12:00pm at the Rolls Building.

Court officials later confirmed to The Herald that the petition had been dismissed, with the company ordered to pay costs.

While the dismissal means the club has avoided compulsory liquidation, the fact that the matter progressed to a High Court hearing – and resulted in a costs order against the company – underlines the seriousness of the proceedings.

Before the hearing, the club had repeatedly sought to downplay the issue. Last week, chairman Rob Edwards described the petition as “a non-story”, stating it related to “a VAT offset against PAYE that wasn’t recorded”. He insisted the matter had been rectified, that no debt was owed to HMRC, and that a request to withdraw the petition had already been submitted to the court.

***High court costs bill: Chairman Rob Edwards***

The club subsequently issued a statement claiming there was “no debt owed to HMRC” and that the petition “has been withdrawn by HMRC”.

However, HM Courts & Tribunals Service twice confirmed to The Herald prior to the hearing that the petition remained active and listed for 12:00pm on 15 April. The case remained listed until it came before the judge on Wednesday.

The imposition of a costs order is particularly notable.

It represents a formal court direction requiring Haverfordwest County AFC Ltd to meet the legal costs arising from the petition.

Thankfully, Haverfordwest County AFC has avoided the most severe outcome – a winding-up order that would have threatened the club’s future.

However, the High Court proceedings make clear that this was never a dormant or inconsequential entry on the court list. It was a live HMRC petition that required judicial attention at the Rolls Building and has now left the company with legal expenses to pay.

Sport

Osian Pryce powers to Severn Valley Stages victory

Published

17 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Herald Sport

Machynlleth driver makes winning return as British Rally Championship season gets underway in mid Wales

OSAIN PRYCE and co-driver James Morgan made a dream return to the Severn Valley Stages on Saturday, storming to victory on home ground in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Fresh from Pryce’s title success, the Welsh pairing showed their class on the gravel once again, adding another Severn Valley Stages win to the one he claimed in 2024. Locked in a fierce battle throughout the event, Pryce underlined his pace and experience to seal a memorable victory in challenging conditions.

Speaking after the win, Pryce said: “It’s so good to be back. It’s much easier coming back here with the title in hand; you can just relax and enjoy it.

“James and MEM have done a great job in getting me comfortable in this car. I think that’s been the key and, to set a fastest time for the first time out in the car, I’m more than happy with that.

“From my side, I’ve got a bit of work to do with my driving to get used to the car, but I’m very happy.”

The 51st Severn Valley Stages marked a spectacular return to the rallying calendar, acting as the curtain-raiser for the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.

Based in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, the popular gravel event, supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, attracted almost 120 crews and featured strong entries across a range of championships, including the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Stage Masters and TCS Plant Rally Series.

After a packed ceremonial start in Llandrindod Wells on Friday evening, which saw fans gather to meet drivers and collect autographs, crews faced more than 50 miles of demanding stages. The route included seven tests in total, headlined by the iconic Myherin complex and rounded off with a punishing 18-mile finale.

Weather conditions added another layer of difficulty, with sunshine giving way to snow, hail and heavy rain, leaving the forest stages treacherous and unpredictable.

Pryce was pushed all the way by fellow Welshman and team-mate Meirion Evans, with Dale Furniss alongside in another Yaris. Evans, buoyed by his recent Rally North Wales victory, kept the pressure on throughout the day and eventually secured second place.

Garry Pearson and Hannah McKillop led the M-Sport Ford challenge in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, recovering from an early spin to complete the podium in third.

On his Severn Valley debut, Max McRae impressed with a strong fourth-place finish alongside Cammy Fair in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. The son of 1995 British Rally Championship winner Alister McRae looked capable of finishing even higher before a puncture on the fourth test checked his progress.

Scottish Rally Championship front-runner Scot MacBeth, co-driven by Ross Whittock, rounded out the top five in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.

Elsewhere, Liam Clark and Michael Gilbey claimed victory in the Interclub category and secured top Welsh Championship points.

The historic category once again provided plenty of spectacle, with Marty McCormack entertaining fans in his BMW E30 M3. Alongside co-driver Barney Mitchell, McCormack continued the car’s gravel development in style by taking back-to-back British Historic Rally Championship victories.

Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the return of the Severn Valley Stages after a year’s hiatus was warmly welcomed by rally fans, who lined the forests at Sarnau and Myherin to witness the action.

The ceremonial start and finish at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells again proved a popular focal point, bringing drivers, teams and spectators together to celebrate the event’s successful comeback.

Images: British Rally Championship

Sport

Wales wheelchair rugby league squad faces World Cup funding fight

Published

20 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Herald Sport

Players could miss Celtic Cup and Australia campaign without urgent backing

THE WALES RUGBY LEAGUE Wheelchair Squad is on the brink of a historic World Cup campaign — but without urgent financial backing, some of the nation’s top athletes could miss out simply because they cannot afford to take part.

The squad needs to raise thousands of pounds to ensure every selected player can compete, starting with the Celtic Cup in Edinburgh this May — their only competitive preparation before the World Cup in Wollongong, Australia, this autumn.

At present, players and staff are being asked to self-fund their places at a cost of around £250 each.

Team manager Steve Abel has already seen talented athletes forced to withdraw in the past because of the financial burden.

He said: “It’s incredibly tough to ask athletes to pay to represent their country.

“They already give everything — their time, energy and commitment — and then face the added burden of funding their own travel and accommodation. It shouldn’t be this way. I’m determined it won’t happen again.”

Steve, who is leading Wales at a World Cup for the first time, previously officiated at four World Cups and understands better than most what it takes to compete at the highest level — and what is at stake if Wales arrive underprepared.

The Celtic Cup, featuring Wales, Ireland and Scotland, is not simply a warm-up tournament. It is the squad’s only chance to build momentum, test combinations and head to Australia ready to compete.

Despite the financial pressure, belief inside the camp remains high.

Only 12 players will make the trip to Australia, and the squad — drawn from leading clubs including North Wales Crusaders, Leeds Rhinos, South Wales Jets, Midlands Hurricanes, Sheffield Eagles and Wigan Warriors — is determined to show Wales belongs among the world’s best.

Blending pace, power, resilience and experience, the team believes it can make a real impact on the international stage.

Steve added: “We’re not going to Australia just to take part.

“We’ve got a hugely talented squad, experienced coaches and an incredible group of volunteers — we’re a family.

“We genuinely believe we can compete with the world’s best and do Wales proud.”

Wheelchair rugby league is one of the fastest-growing formats in world sport, open to men and women, boys and girls, and athletes from all backgrounds. Wales has been involved since the sport’s earliest international days.

Built on passion, physicality and teamwork, it reflects the very best of Welsh pride and identity.

But with no central government funding and limited resources available to sporting bodies, the squad is relying on support from the wider public to make the dream possible.

Dawn Roberts-McCabe, volunteer for fundraising and sponsorship, said: “I’m proud to give my time to help ensure every prospective athlete can focus on training to become the best version of themselves, rather than worrying about financial barriers.

“It would break my heart if a talented player had to let their World Cup dream go because they had to choose between playing and paying.”

Businesses, sponsors and supporters across Wales are now being urged to step forward. Whether through sponsorship, donations or simply spreading the word, every contribution brings the squad one step closer to the World Cup stage — and to a moment that could inspire a generation.

To support the team or discuss sponsorship opportunities, email Dawn Roberts-McCabe at [email protected]
.