Wales legend Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies has called on the Welsh Rugby Union board to step down, urging other former players to speak out and help oust the regime he says has "failed to deliver".
The 63-year-old, who played for Wales in both codes, took to social media on Friday to voice his concerns over the direction Welsh rugby is heading in. The governing body remain steadfast in their pursuit of reducing the number of professional teams from four to three by 2028.
Ospreys and Scarlets hit back
The Ospreys and Scarlets are in the crosshairs, but both have hit back at the WRU this week - accusing bosses of choosing the wrong path amid accusations of a lack of transparency and demanding for the WRU to show the evidence used to decide west Wales should have only one team going forward.
That has increased the pressure in the WRU, with the governing body currently on the search for a new chair following Richard Collier-Keywood's departure. The union maintains all the evidence it has gathered from independent reports suggests a three-team model with just one side in the west is the best way forward.
Davies backs Parsons' call
However, Davies has now joined the calls for the likes of CEO Abi Tierney and director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin to leave. Davies has released a video in which he endorsed influential businesswoman and former Cardiff director Hayley Parsons' call for the board to resign en masse.
In an interview with WalesOnline on Thursday, Parsons said there was a lack of rugby and commercial expertise on the board, insisting the current regime have made things worse over the past three years and claiming director of rugby Dave Reddin does not understand the sport in this country.
"Afternoon everyone," added Davies in the video. "I've just read Hayley Parsons's piece on Welsh rugby and I totally support what she says."
"This board has been in place for three years and it's failed to deliver. So it's now time for them to have a look at themselves and decide whether it's time for them to step aside and leave."
"Someone else (can) come in and take over, an interim board to settle the ship and to pick a board fit for purpose."
"The economy and the game in Wales is suffering from it. So it's time now for everyone to get behind Hayley and voice an opinion - ex-players, regions, clubs, and, most importantly, the fans - to say change is needed."
"It's up to us to make the changes or force the changes, otherwise this is not going away. And in five or 10 years, we would be in a far worse state."
"So, come on, let's get together and support each other and try and make a change."
Davies: Rugby belongs to Welsh people
In a post on Instagram, Davies wrote: "Rugby belongs to the Welsh people. The role of the Union is to deliver that. I would start by asking people of Wales what they want."
"A proper consensus. Which you could lead with former players. Understand what the tribe wants. That is the whole point of sport."
"It is tribal. People sing at rugby and football because they believe in the tribe. It’s like a sing song with mates. You did because you belong to them in that moment."
"Welsh rugby has stopped belonging to the people. That is the first thing I would fix."
"The people of Wales need to decide whether they want rugby union as part of their identity, culture and soul. And we all know the answer to that. The purpose of the Welsh Rugby Union is to deliver that to the people."
"To provide a game that exists in every village and town - that forms a foundation stone to build a pathway to bring on our best talent - into the regions and to the national side. To harness the unique passion and the talent that exists in Wales - to build a sustainable future."
