Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood has warned that proposals to remove him and change the sport's governance would be a 'step backwards' for the game. Appearing before the Senedd's sport and culture committee, Collier-Keywood defended the union's controversial plans to reduce professional teams from four to three.

An Extraordinary General Meeting has been called by member clubs amid turmoil over the restructuring plans. Collier-Keywood admitted the WRU had 'really struggled' to bring professional clubs on board, stating there was no 'plan B' for professional rugby if he lost the confidence vote. He maintained that moving to three teams was the only way to ensure Welsh rugby remains sustainable.

The WRU chair suggested no decision had been made on which team would play in west Wales, though Ospreys supporters believe their side is most likely to be cut. Collier-Keywood defended the union's mandate for change, telling the committee 'change is never easy' and that reversing the 2023 board changes would be a 'totally backward step'.