WRU names businessman Faulkner as new chair

Lyndon Faulkner will take over the role at the WRU's annual general meeting on Sunday, 22 November.

Lyndon Faulkner helped Newport win the Welsh Youth Cup in his early playing career

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has named former Newport and Ponytpool player Lyndon Faulkner as the governing body's new chairman.

He will do so at a time when the WRU is planning to cut the game's professional tier from four to three teams, with west Wales sides Ospreys and Scarlets vying to avoid becoming surplus to requirements.

The WRU has already confirmed the team it owns, Cardiff, and privately-backed Dragons, will continue to exist beyond the end of the 2027-28 season.

The WRU says Faulkner's appointment is "a major coup" and he can "court the respect of both its community and professional game and the wider business world around it".

In a WRU statement Faulkner said: "This is a pivotal time for the game and I will start by listening to those around me and of course remaining open to credible challenge."

Source: BBC Sport