Former Cardiff Rugby board member Hayley Parsons launched the attack on what she described as the “cloak-and-dagger” and “cowardly” way in which the WRU is negotiating a deal that could reduce the number of professional teams in Wales.
Advertisement
The GoCompare founder said it was a “major issue” that neither of the two people at the top of the governing body had rugby experience.
The WRU said it understood the strong views expressed but that Welsh rugby was going through a period of necessary but difficult change.
Parsons, who sold his stake in price comparison site GoCompare for almost £44m, has written to clubs across Wales asking them to act quickly to bring about a change.
He said the sport is in a “state of serious crisis” and added: “It’s a civil war and we really can’t continue like this.”
Advertisement
“I think the way the WRU has negotiated this deal with Y11 is truly appalling,” he said.
“The lack of communication, commitment, transparency and humanity with all stakeholders is a joke.
“You can’t run a successful business if you don’t understand your product, rugby, and respect your best asset, your people.”
The WRU, under the leadership of chief executive Abi Tierney and Collier-Keywood, wants to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three as part of a major review of the game.
It wants to have a region in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west, and the governing body believes the player base and finances are currently too spread out.
Advertisement
There is currently uncertainty over the future of the Ospreys after it emerged that their owners, Y11 Media and Sport, are the preferred bidder to take over rivals Cardiff.
The future of the region covering Swansea, Bridgend and Neath has so far only been promised until the end of next season, raising fears it may be the one to leave.
It would leave Cardiff, the Dragons in Newport and the Scarlets in Llanelli as the three remaining professional clubs.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart called on the WRU board to resign over the issue and threatened legal action.
It is also expected that the representatives of some grassroots clubs, through an extraordinary general assembly, will try to replace the president once the Six Nations is over.
Advertisement
During an appearance before MPs last month, Tierney questioned whether there was interest among clubs in supporting him.
Collier-Keywood told the same hearing that the “economic rock” of Welsh rugby was now much stronger due to a refinancing of loans, a reduction in professional teams to make them more competitive and a £28 million five-year plan to improve the pipeline for future talent.
But despite this, Welsh MPs issued a statement accusing the WRU of an immense disconnect with fans.
Parsons praised CEO Tierney’s performance but called for the entire process to be halted to replace the chair and carry out a rethink.
Advertisement
He added that it was a mistake not to insist that the president or CEO have experience in the game.
Both Tierney and Collier-Keywood have a background in business, rather than rugby administration.
Richard Collier-Keywood says Welsh rugby’s ‘economic rock’ is now much stronger thanks to loan refinancing (BBC)
Parsons admitted she could be open to criticism as she was involved at the top of Cardiff rugby when it went into administration, but insisted the club acted decisively once it realized the extent of the problems with investors.
He added that he accepted that three Welsh rugby teams might be the right answer, but not “the way they got there”.
“The process they have used to reach three is cowardly and everything has been done behind closed doors,” he said.
Advertisement
“(Collier-Keywood) told the Welsh affairs committee that he believes he has the support of the regions and stakeholders in Welsh rugby. I absolutely disagree with that.
“I talk to a lot of people, both inside and outside the union, and I haven’t found any of those people who want to raise their hand and say they support him.”
The WRU said its board and executive team were responsible for securing the “long-term future” of Welsh rugby at grassroots and professional level.
“That means making tough decisions now so we can properly invest in the players’ journey and create a sustainable model,” a spokesperson said.
Advertisement
They added that the changes came following “the largest consultation program ever undertaken in Welsh sport”.
“Simply put, we must live within our means and invest where it has the greatest long-term impact. “That includes a planned investment of more than £20 million over five years in pathways that support our professional teams.
“A change of this scale is challenging but we are confident it is the right direction for the future of Welsh rugby.”
More featured stories