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Call for WRU chair to step down amid criticism of regional decision-making process
Hayley Parsons has expressed concern that the Welsh Rugby Union’s chief executive and chair lack experience in the sport of rugby.
A prominent Welsh businesswoman has added her voice to the growing chorus of calls for the resignation of Welsh Rugby Union chairman Richard Collier-Keywood, citing the organization's current turmoil.

Hayley Parsons, formerly a board member at Cardiff Rugby, has criticized the WRU's handling of a potential deal that could lead to a reduction in the number of professional teams in Wales, characterizing the process as secretive and lacking in courage.
Parsons, the founder of GoCompare, has highlighted a significant issue with the governing body's leadership, noting that neither of the top officials has a background in rugby, which she believes is a major concern.
In response to the criticism, the WRU acknowledged the strong opinions expressed but emphasized that Welsh rugby is undergoing a necessary, albeit difficult, period of transformation.
Parsons, who sold her stake in GoCompare for nearly £44m, has written to Welsh rugby clubs, urging them to take swift action to bring about change and address the current crisis.
She described the state of Welsh rugby as one of severe crisis, likening it to a "civil war" that cannot be sustained, and emphasized the need for immediate action.
Parsons expressed her strong disapproval of the WRU's approach to brokering a deal with Y11, stating that it was deeply troubling.
She criticized the lack of communication, engagement, transparency, and empathy shown by the WRU towards all stakeholders, characterizing it as unacceptable.
Parsons emphasized that a successful business cannot be run without a deep understanding of its core product, in this case, rugby, and a respect for its most valuable asset, its people.
Under the leadership of CEO Abi Tierney and Collier-Keywood, the WRU is proposing a significant overhaul of Welsh rugby, including reducing the number of professional clubs from four to three.
The governing body believes that the current player base and financial resources are spread too thinly, and therefore wants to establish one region in the east, one in Cardiff, and one in the west.
The future of the Ospreys remains uncertain, as their owners, Y11 Media and Sport, are the preferred bidders to take over rivals Cardiff, raising concerns about the potential consequences.
The region covering Swansea, Bridgend, and Neath has only been guaranteed funding until the end of next season, fueling fears that it may be the team to be eliminated.
If this were to happen, the remaining professional clubs would be Cardiff, the Dragons in Newport, and the Scarlets in Llanelli.
Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, has called for the WRU board to resign and has threatened to take legal action over the issue.

An extraordinary general meeting is planned, at which representatives of some grassroots clubs will attempt to replace the chairman after the Six Nations tournament.
During a recent appearance before MPs, Tierney questioned whether clubs were willing to support the proposed changes.
Collier-Keywood told the same hearing that the financial foundation of Welsh rugby was now more secure due to refinancing, a reduction in professional teams, and a five-year £28m plan to improve the talent pipeline.
However, Welsh MPs released a statement accusing the WRU of being out of touch with fans, highlighting a significant disconnect.
Parsons praised Tierney's performance but called for the entire process to be paused, allowing for the replacement of the chair and a re-evaluation of the approach.
She emphasized that it was a mistake not to require either the chair or CEO to have experience in rugby administration.
Both Tierney and Collier-Keywood have backgrounds in business rather than rugby, which Parsons believes is a significant issue.
Parsons acknowledged that her own experience as a board member at Cardiff Rugby, which went into administration, may make her vulnerable to criticism, but she maintained that the club took decisive action once it recognized the extent of the problems with investors.

She accepted that reducing the number of Welsh rugby teams to three might be the correct decision, but disagreed with the process by which it was reached.
Parsons described the process used to arrive at the decision to reduce the number of teams as lacking in courage and transparency, with key discussions taking place behind closed doors.
Collier-Keywood claimed to have the support of the regions and stakeholders in Welsh rugby, but Parsons strongly disagreed, stating that she had not found anyone who supported him.
Parsons said she had spoken to numerous people within and outside the union, and none of them expressed support for Collier-Keywood.
The WRU stated that its board and executive team were responsible for ensuring the long-term future of Welsh rugby, both at the grassroots and professional levels.
A spokesperson emphasized that this required making difficult decisions to invest in player pathways and create a sustainable model.
The WRU claimed that the changes followed the most extensive consultation program in Welsh sports history.
The spokesperson explained that the organization must operate within its means and invest in areas with the greatest long-term impact, including a planned investment of over £20m in the pathways that support professional teams.
While acknowledging that change on this scale is challenging, the WRU expressed confidence that it is moving in the right direction for the future of Welsh rugby.
News
Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire
Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.
The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.
Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.
The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.
Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.
With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.
The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.
An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.
A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.
Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.
Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.
If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
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