WRU chairman Lyndon Faulkner to review plan for Welsh region numbers
Regional future under review
Faulkner said he was not barred from discussing a possible regional shake-up. The review will consider the future number of regions, which he said each have a history in Welsh rugby.
He acknowledged the emotions attached to the issue but said decisions would follow the review. Faulkner also broadly supported the WRU’s decision to rescue Cardiff and is open to the possibility of an Anglo-Welsh competition.
Financial challenges ahead
Faulkner said he was surprised by the scale of the WRU’s debt, which became clear to him when it was announced last week. He said the previous financial picture had not appeared as concerning.
He said there were no simple explanations for the figures, but changes to costs and efforts to bring in revenue could help improve them. The union’s financial performance is among his stated priorities.
Business and rugby experience
The 66-year-old played for Pontypool in the 1980s and won the Welsh Cup, represented Monmouthshire, and faced Australia twice. A knee injury ended his playing career. He later worked for and owned Welsh technology company Nimbus. Faulkner helped launch Xbox and Microsoft Office, then made money through trading and investing with major US technology companies.
Motivated to get involved
Faulkner said he was taking on the role because he loves Welsh rugby and wants to make a difference. He said his business background and experience as a player could both inform his work.
Key points
- Faulkner will review the plan to reduce Wales’s four professional regions.
- He said he was unaware of the WRU’s full debt until its announcement last week.
- The new chairman says managing costs and increasing revenue could improve the union’s finances.
- Faulkner has experience in Welsh rugby and the technology business.