WRU names businessman Faulkner as new chairman

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

Faulkner, who has become a successful businessman in the United States since his playing days, will take over the role vacated by Richard Collier-Keywood at the WRU's annual general meeting on Sunday, 22 November.

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."

He added: "I know personally how important Welsh rugby is in many different ways to the nation.

"So, it is a huge privilege for me to return to Welsh rugby as chair of the WRU and give something back to a sport which has helped define me and means so much to me, my family, friends and the people of Wales."

The WRU says his "mandate as the new independent chair... is to continue to lead the board in setting the strategic direction for the game in Wales and to hold its executive team and staff to account for its implementation".

Faulkner will also act as a global ambassador for the organisation.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, who in April 2026 denied Collier-Keywood had been forced out, said: "I know Lyndon and I are ready to form a formidable team working to advance Welsh rugby at all levels."

WRU senior independent director and board member Alison Thorne said: "He brings a fresh perspective and added value to both our rugby and business thinking and I know that he will be a huge asset to the game."

Background and the business world

Faulkner attended Bassaleg Comprehensive School in Newport and played for Newport Youth before going on to figure for their senior side and Pontypool when they were one of Wales' leading teams.

After injury ended his playing days, Faulkner progressed off the field into the corporate world where he has held senior roles including with Technicolor®/Nimbus CD International, Microsoft and Nimbus CD International, Pelican Products and Peli Biothermal.

Faulkner's CV also includes entrepreneur awards and appearing on US TV series 'The Mentor' as well as lecturing at Stanford University Business School and at the University of Virginia's Darden Business School.