Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, former investment banker and Glamorgan Cricket Club chairman, has revealed he was rejected "almost immediately" after his interview for the Welsh Rugby Union chair role. He told Telegraph Sport he had proposed pausing the WRU's plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three.
The role is now expected to go to Los Angeles businessman Lyndon Faulkner. Rhydderch-Roberts said he believes his radically different plan was the reason for his swift dismissal, describing it as "a bit jarring to learn almost immediately that I had been rejected".
Coalition of the Willing
Rhydderch-Roberts is a member of the 'Coalition of the Willing', which includes Go Compare founder Hayley Parsons, former Principality COO Rob Regan and former Wales lock Andy Moore.
"I was a little surprised by the interview panel as it appeared to be light on genuine rugby or top-level sports experience but I treated it professionally and outlined an alternative, positive, and ambitious future for Welsh rugby that did not involve a core strategy of managed decline," he told Telegraph Sport.
"I outlined the need to examine alternative funding plans for the WRU in order to reduce the heavy dependence on International ticket sales revenue."
Warning over tier two status
Rhydderch-Roberts is adamant Wales will become a tier two nation if it carries on its current trajectory.
"If we carry on the current course, with the current board and their policies, then I think we're going off a cliff," he told Telegraph Sport.
"And coming back from tier two is really tough. Some people may not agree but I think there is a very real danger. Some commentators in the press say it is cyclical but I believe it is different this time. It is in no one's interests, including that of the Six Nations and World Rugby generally, to see Wales depowered."
Anglo-Welsh league proposal
Rhydderch-Roberts insists the answer is an Anglo-Welsh league.
"Anglo-Welsh rivalry is real and it's meaningful; it would also generate crowds, lucrative media revenues and fresh investment," he told Telegraph Sport.
"It really feels as if the time is now right to push for that, and I genuinely believe that several owners in the Prem would welcome this. The prospect of an expanded Prem with four Welsh clubs involved would be enticing.
"The current poster boy for success in rugby union – not a crowded field – is France. It is no surprise that their record crowds, international success and lucrative television deals are rooted in clubs, communities and fierce tribal rivalries. I believe we can replicate that model.
"It is not too late to halt the decline, and the Welsh brand generally remains strong."
