Harry Bowcott, a former senior partner at global consultancy giant McKinsey & Company, has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
It is also understood that Cardiff-born Mark Evans, former chief executive of English Premiership side Harlequins, made the shortlist for the new independent non-executive chair of the union, while he was also interviewed for the role of chair of the Professional Rugby Board.
The final interview between the two remaining candidates, including Bowcott, took place yesterday, with a decision expected in the coming days.
Appointment process details
As part of the appointment process, interviews with shortlisted candidates were conducted at the Sport Wales office in Cardiff. The successful candidate will take on the role at a critical time and will oversee the implementation of the WRU board's plans to cut from four to three pro teams.
The interviewing panel consisted of WRU board members John Manders, Alison Thorne, Amanda Bennett, Andrew Williams and Marianne Okland. President of the WRU Terry Cobner was also present in an observer capacity.
Bowcott's background
Mr Bowcott, who is described as being quietly spoken and über-polite, has a sharp intellect and a strong track record in business. While living in Chipping Sodbury, he has strong Welsh heritage and has always supported Wales. His late grandfather, Henry Morgan Bowcott, played for Wales in the interwar years and was educated at Cardiff High School.
He also played for London Welsh and Cardiff. From 1963 to 1974, he was a Welsh selector and later served as president of the WRU.
Challenges and opportunities
Bowcott is fully aware of the challenges facing the game in Wales but, with his management consultancy expertise, has identified opportunities to move the professional game onto a more sustainable footing. He could also bring fundraising expertise to bear, including supporting the WRU executive team on a potential rugby investment bond.
The 51-year-old is a Cambridge history graduate and studied for an MA in history at Oxford. While at McKinsey, where he spent 20 years, his roles included leading its sustainability practice in the UK and Ireland. His current roles include being a co-founder of GBM Support.
The WRU is currently attempting to cut one of Wales' four professional clubs with the Ospreys and Scarlets on the chopping block. It appears the new chair will have to adhere to the board's wish to go down to three teams.
Other candidates
Also interviewed was the current chairman of Glamorgan Cricket and former investment banker Mark Rhydderch-Roberts. Following his interview, he was informed by the headhunters appointed by the WRU, GatenbySanderson, that he had not been successful.
A source confirmed that during his interview, Mr Rhydderch-Roberts, who played rugby for Pontypridd and Bath, questioned the union’s rationale for reducing the number of regions from four to three. The WRU is seeking to appoint a new chair after the former head of its board, Richard Collier-Keywood, stood down after a three-year term in July.
