WRU names businessman Faulkner as new chair

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has appointed former Newport and Pontypool player Lyndon Faulkner as its new chairman. Faulkner, a businessman in the United States, succeeds Richard Collier-Keywood and will assume the role at the WRU's annual general meeting on Sunday, 22 November. The appointment is seen as a significant coup for the WRU, as he is well-versed in both community and professional rugby, as well as the wider business world.

Faulkner, the nephew of legendary Wales and Pontypool prop Tony Charlie Faulkner, will take over a period when the WRU plans to reduce the game's professional tier from four to three teams. The teams of Ospreys and Scarlets will compete to avoid being surplus to requirements.