Jonathan Davies calls for WRU board to resign amid Wales crisis

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies has called for the Welsh Rugby Union board to resign, adding his voice to growing demands for change at the organisation. The pressure comes after the WRU confirmed plans to reduce Wales’ professional teams from four to three by 2028.

The proposed restructuring would leave Cardiff and the Dragons with professional licences. The decision has intensified criticism from figures across Welsh rugby and beyond, with concerns about the direction of the game and its wider place in Welsh life.

Welsh business leaders and local Swansea politicians have also demanded the departure of chief executive Abi Tierney and the board. Hayley Parsons, a Welsh businesswoman and Cardiff board member, is among those calling for the organisation’s leadership to step aside.

Davies has argued that the situation requires people connected with Welsh rugby to speak openly, including former players, the regions, clubs and supporters. He has also warned that failing to force change could leave Welsh rugby in a worse position within five or 10 years.

The WRU board currently has 11 members, following the departure of chair Richard Collier-Keywood in March. The leadership challenge is therefore unfolding alongside the process of deciding how the professional game will operate after the planned reduction in teams.

The former Wales international said Welsh rugby’s future should be treated as a matter connected to the country’s identity, culture and social life. His intervention places a high-profile former player behind the campaign for the WRU’s board and chief executive to leave their posts.