Welsh Rugby Union appoints Andrew Williams as final independent board member

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has appointed ex-tech company boss Andrew Williams as its final independent non-executive director.

Williams was among the longest-serving chief executives in the FTSE 100 until he retired as head of Halma plc in March after 18 years.

The WRU vowed to modernise its board following a series of controversies.

“This is a major coup for Welsh rugby and supports the reform we are on,” said chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

Born in Cardiff, chartered engineer Williams was credited with overhauling the leadership and culture of Halma, a global group of life-saving technology companies, and is also a former board member at Cardiff.

“I’m delighted to be returning to rugby and look forward to helping to address some of the significant challenges and opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Following the recently implemented board changes, I am pleased the WRU has made important statements about the need for the WRU to work positively with the professional clubs, which I see as a vital step to improved success at all levels.