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Huw Evans AgencyThe Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed chief executive Abi Tierney will return to fully resume her leadership position in the new year.
Tierney has been undergoing medical treatment following a cancer diagnosis and began a phased return in November.
Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and the rest of the WRU’s executive leadership team had stepped in on an interim basis but Tierney will be back in charge next month.
“This is a pivotal time for the game in Wales and, whilst I’ve been constantly kept informed and am across all developments, I’m looking forward to being able to contribute directly again,” said Tierney.
“My treatment is going well and I’ve received a positive prognosis which allows me to return in the new year.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has wished me well over my time away and sent positive messages of support.”
Returning to Welsh rugby crisis
Tierney will return on a full-time basis at a time where Welsh rugby finds itself in yet more crisis while the governing body has also announced a new chief commercial officer in Tomos Grace who will take up his role as Tierney returns.
Steve Tandy’s men’s national side have just suffered a record 73-0 home defeat against South Africa, while Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have been linked with a move from Ospreys to Gloucester.
The WRU announced in October that it planned to reduce the number of professional men’s sides in Wales from four to three.
Welsh rugby’s governing body confirmed it proposes to grant three licences for men’s clubs.
There will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west, which is expected to result in a straight survival fight between Ospreys and Scarlets in Llanelli.
Another option that has now emerged is Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, taking over WRU-owned Cardiff, which could produce the desired number of three professional sides.
“Of course, there are significant and major challenges presented to Welsh rugby at this time,” said Tierney, “but there is also a huge opportunity for us to forge a way ahead in our professional game which will safeguard its future.
“There is a lot more hard work ahead, but our strength in Welsh rugby is in our ability to unite and work together towards one collective aim.
“I am looking forward to contributing to this again.”
Collier-Keywood will revert back to his responsibilities as chair.
“I know I speak on behalf of the whole game in Wales when I welcome Abi back into her role,” said Collier-Keywood.
“We are making progress in our transformation programme for the professional game in Wales, but Abi’s return will add new and positive impetus at this pivotal time.”
Grace to succeed Davies as commercial chief
Grace will replace Leighton Davies who has confirmed his retirement from his full-time executive role.
Cardiff-born Grace, who has previously worked at YouTube and Google, will lead the WRU’s commercial strategy across all areas of the game and its wider business operations.
This includes responsibility for sponsorship, broadcast and digital rights, fan engagement, communications and maximising the potential of Principality Stadium.
“I’ve been lucky in my career to work at large organisations in different countries but the opportunity to come home to contribute to the revival of Welsh rugby makes this an irresistible challenge,” said Grace.
“Whether with the national teams or at Principality Stadium, huge commercial opportunities exist.
“These have one single, clear objective – investment in Welsh rugby. We’ll do this innovating, by learning from global best practice and by working in partnership with our commercial and rugby stakeholders across Wales. I can’t wait to get started.”
The WRU executive leadership team now comprises Tierney, Grace, director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin, chief operating officer Gavin Marshall, community director Geraint John and chief people officer Lydia Stirling
Who is Tomos Grace?
Grace has spent more than two decades in the sports media industry working in London, Paris and Berlin.
His career began in strategic roles at Canal+ in France before moving to Eurosport as head of business development, where he helped launch early digital services.
In 2011, Grace joined the YouTube Sport team and rose to become head of sport for Europe, Middle-East and Africa, later expanding his remit as head of media and port for the region.
In these roles, Grace delivered partnerships with Fifa, the International Olympic Committee and BT Sport, including free-to-air streaming of Uefa Champions League finals on YouTube, and helped rights holders navigate the shift from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms.
Most recently, Grace has overseen media strategy and operations at YouTube, across sport, television, news and responsibility initiatives.
A fluent Welsh, French and German speaker, Grace has also recently served as an adviser to the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and has been a spokesperson for YouTube in UK Parliamentary discussions on broadcasting in Wales.
