The Welsh Rugby Union has postponed publishing its plan to reduce the professional men's game by 2028, instead focusing on leadership transitions. External consultants Gatenby Sanderson have been brought in to manage the recruitment of a new chair following the departure of Richard Collier-Keywood, who leaves after three years in the role.

Collier-Keywood's exit marks the end of a significant period where he brought financial stability and drove cultural changes across Welsh rugby. The union aims to complete the recruitment process before its autumn annual general meeting, ensuring continuity while reshaping governance structures for the future.

The restructuring extends beyond the chair appointment. Gatenby Sanderson will also handle the search for two independent members of the Professional Rugby Board, with one candidate set to chair that body and secure a seat on the WRU Board. This follows Malcolm Wall's resignation earlier this year and Marianne Okland's interim appointment.

These leadership changes come amid uncertainty about the professional game's future structure, with the planned reduction from four to three regions still pending detail. The delay suggests complexities in balancing club interests while maintaining competitiveness ahead of the 2028 target date.