The Welsh Rugby Union has announced the appointment of David Rees to its Council as a National Council Member, while former Scarlets coach Jared Payne has secured a new role with Munster. In other news, Jo Yapp is drawing on the experience of Andy Farrell as she prepares to lead the first British and Irish Lions Women's tour.
WRU appoints David Rees to Council
David Rees has been appointed to the Welsh Rugby Union Council as a National Council Member, replacing Anthony Buchanan who stepped down in December after expressing a lack of confidence in the governing body. Rees has held senior roles in both Welsh rugby and Hong Kong Rugby, serving as the latter's chief rugby operations officer between 2016 and 2020. During his tenure, he contributed to Asian Games medal success, Women's Rugby World Cup qualification in 2017, and six consecutive World Rugby U20 Trophy qualifications.
"It is an honour to join the WRU Council at such a pivotal time for the game in Wales," said Rees. "Throughout my career, I have seen how meaningful progress comes from aligning intent with delivery and I look forward to doing everything I can to help Welsh rugby thrive." Rees currently serves as head of rugby at Monmouth RFC and director of rugby at Crawshays Welsh RFC. He emphasised his commitment to making rugby more accessible and inclusive, stating, "My approach is to make inclusion part of everyday decision-making, not a separate initiative."
Jared Payne joins Munster after leaving Scarlets
Former Scarlets coach Jared Payne has landed a job with Munster on a two-year deal, where he will combine attack and backline coaching responsibilities with Mossy Lawler. The 40-year-old former British and Irish Lions centre spent the last three years in Wales. Munster had initially hired Roger Randle, but the deal was called off after a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced; Randle has always denied wrongdoing. Payne expressed his excitement, saying, "Munster is a club with a proud history... I'm looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to help move the club forward." Munster head coach Clayton McMillan praised Payne's reputation for empowering players and noted that the attack portfolio is a two-person job.
Jo Yapp taps into Andy Farrell's knowledge for Lions Women tour
Jo Yapp is drawing on the knowledge of Andy Farrell as she prepares to lead the maiden tour of the British and Irish Lions Women. Yapp has been appointed head coach for the three-Test series against New Zealand in September next year. The former England captain is using Farrell's experience after he masterminded a 2-1 series triumph by the Lions men's team against Australia in 2025. "Andy was super open, which was really lovely," said Yapp. "It's really important that we draw on the experiences of people who have gone before us."
