The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) has initiated the search for a new chair to succeed Marianne Okland, whose term is ending. This recruitment is part of a broader board refresh that includes appointing two independent members, one of whom is expected to take over as chair. The role is critical in shaping the future of Welsh professional rugby.
Background and Timeline
Norwegian businesswoman Marianne Okland has served on the PRB board since 2020 and became interim chair in March, replacing Malcolm Wall. She has completed her second three-year term but has agreed to remain until December 2026 while the recruitment process concludes. The PRB comprises representatives from all four professional teams—Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets—alongside the Welsh Rugby Players Association chair and two senior Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) figures.
The PRB chair also sits on the WRU Board, which is concurrently seeking a new independent chair. All three high-level roles are being externally recruited by specialist firm GatenbySanderson to maximize independence, fairness, and transparency. Applications for the PRB roles close on Monday, August 3.
Role Description and Challenges
GatenbySanderson described the positions as "highly-demanding" and "time-intensive." A spokesperson stated: "As an Independent Board Member, you will play a critical role in ensuring the PRB operates as an effective, balanced and high-performing Board, bringing independent perspective, constructive challenge and strategic oversight at a time of complexity and change." The role involves shaping strategy, scrutinizing financial sustainability, and supporting collective decision-making in the best interests of professional rugby.
Welsh rugby faces an uncertain future, with the WRU intending to reduce the number of professional clubs from four to three by 2028. The WRU’s Community Game Board Chair, John Manders, is chairing WRU Board meetings as Vice-Chair until a new independent chair is appointed to replace Richard Collier-Keywood.
Governance Changes and Strategic Vision
Manders emphasized the importance of these appointments: "These are two critical new appointments to be made alongside that of the new independent chair of the WRU." He noted that governance changes, voted through by over 97% of member clubs in 2023, have enabled the appointment of diverse individuals from the professional world and increased diversity on committees. "There has been a positive sea change in, not only our board culture, but also our efficiency and effectiveness as a result," he added.
The PRB chair and the second independent member will be central to strategic delivery and safeguarding the future of the professional game. Manders stated: "The WRU remains undeterred from its plans to modernise its professional structure and move to three men’s professional teams by the start of the 2028 season." He expressed gratitude to Malcolm Wall and Marianne Okland for their contributions to Welsh rugby.
