The civil war engulfing Welsh Rugby continues to escalate, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) receiving notice of an Emergency General Meeting (EGM). This latest development follows a plea from the governing body in January to hold off calls for an EGM, a plea they subsequently characterized as a response to “short-sighted and debilitating motions.”
The notice of the EGM was served by the Central Glamorgan Union, one of the nine districts comprising the WRU, and a key motion will be a vote of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood. The situation underscores a deep fracture within Welsh rugby, extending beyond on-field performance to encompass governance and the future direction of the sport in Wales.
Unprecedented Challenge for Welsh Rugby Leadership
In a statement released on February 22nd, the WRU acknowledged receipt of the requisition for an EGM from community clubs. The Union affirmed its commitment to following established governance procedures, outlining the immediate next steps: verifying the requisition’s compliance with its Constitution and Articles of Association, providing notice of the EGM date within 21 days of confirming sufficient club support, and holding the EGM itself within 28 days of that notice. This process suggests the EGM is likely to take place in late March or early April, following the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship.
The WRU previously characterized the prospect of an EGM as an “irresponsible first nuclear option” that would inflict “significant damage” on Welsh rugby. This strong language highlights the intensity of the internal conflict and the governing body’s determination to resist what it perceives as destabilizing forces. However, the Central Glamorgan district maintains it has secured the necessary support – approximately 30 of the nearly 300 clubs across Wales – to force the motion.
The timing of this challenge is particularly sensitive. The WRU published its plans for the Future of the Elite Game in Wales at the end of October 2025, following what it described as an extensive consultation process. The Union is currently focused on implementing this plan, working with professional clubs, the United Rugby Championship, and player representatives to reach a consensus. The EGM threatens to derail these efforts and further polarize stakeholders.
The underlying cause of the current turmoil stems from a series of contentious decisions, most notably the proposal to axe one of the four Welsh professional regions. This decision sparked widespread criticism and led to uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys, with Y11, the current stakeholders, emerging as potential buyers for the WRU-owned Cardiff. This potential shift in ownership has further complicated the landscape and fueled discontent among clubs and supporters.
Adding to the pressure on the WRU is a concerning trend of declining attendance at Wales’ Men’s Six Nations fixtures. The recent home tie against France recorded the lowest attendance for a Six Nations Test in Welsh history, a stark indicator of waning fan confidence and engagement. This drop in attendance is likely linked to both on-field performance and the off-field controversies surrounding the WRU.
The Central Glamorgan district, in a letter dated February 22nd, expressed deep concerns about the direction of Welsh rugby under the current leadership. While the district did not disclose the exact number of clubs backing the proposals, they acknowledged the “substantial number of member clubs” who have offered support. The district’s actions signal a growing sense of urgency and a determination to hold the WRU accountable for its decisions.
The WRU, in its statement, reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders, acknowledging that change is challenging but essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales. However, the call for an EGM suggests that a significant portion of the rugby community believes the current leadership is incapable of delivering the necessary changes and that a vote of no confidence is the only viable path forward.
This EGM marks the fourth such meeting in 12 years for the WRU, highlighting a recurring pattern of internal strife and governance challenges. The previous annual general meeting was held at the end of November 2025, indicating a relatively short period between major governance events. The frequency of these meetings underscores the ongoing instability within the Welsh Rugby Union and the difficulty of achieving consensus on key issues.
The outcome of the EGM will have profound implications for the future of Welsh rugby. A successful vote of no confidence in Richard Collier-Keywood would likely trigger a leadership change and potentially lead to a reassessment of the WRU’s strategic direction. However, it could also exacerbate the existing divisions and further destabilize the sport in Wales. The coming weeks will be critical as the WRU navigates this unprecedented challenge and attempts to restore confidence among its stakeholders.
