WRU Rebuild Continues as Plans Emerge for New Position to Support Rugby Leadership

Turmoil and transformation continue to define Welsh rugby as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) considers a pivotal new appointment: a rugby-focused intermediary to bridge the gap between the incoming director of rugby and the head coach. This move comes amid sweeping changes at the WRU, following the departures of Nigel Walker and Warren Gatland during a season marked by upheaval and underperformance. As the WRU prepares to unveil its new director of rugby and head coach, speculation grows that another role—essentially an assistant to the director of rugby—may be created to ensure seamless collaboration and fill any expertise gaps left by the new leadership. The process for sourcing a suitable candidate for this intermediary position remains uncertain, particularly after the exhaustive search for a director of rugby.
Dave Reddin, a figure with a storied background in elite sports science with the RFU, Team GB, and the FA, is widely expected to be named as the next director of rugby. However, questions linger about the timing of his official appointment and whether his expertise, primarily in fitness and performance, aligns with the rugby-specific demands of the role. Reddin’s tenure as Sir Clive Woodward’s fitness expert for England from 1997 to 2006 has led some within the WRU to express reservations about his fit for a position that, according to the February job advert, requires oversight of “structural and strategic changes” across the professional game and a “genuine rugby person” at the helm.
Previously, Warren Gatland, as head coach, had reported directly to the WRU’s chief executive—first Steve Phillips, then Abi Tierney—instead of the director of rugby. Phillips’ tenure was short-lived, ending before a Test match was played amid allegations of racism, sexism, and homophobia within the Union. Tierney, who has since implemented a streamlined executive structure at the WRU, was notably hesitant to part ways with Gatland during a winless 2024, relying on data from external consultancy Portas to inform her decisions. Now, the incoming head coach will report directly to the director of rugby, reflecting a shift toward a more integrated high-performance structure.
The WRU’s leadership has openly acknowledged a lack of deep rugby experience within its current ranks, fueling the desire to create a new role that can support the relationship between the director of rugby and head coach. This move aligns with broader organizational reforms, including the launch of the ‘One Wales’ strategy and a reduction in the executive team from nine to five roles, with key positions like Chief Growth Officer and Director of Rugby still being recruited as part of a global search. Interim performance director Huw Bevan and community dire