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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Inside the WRU EGM and the cheer when announcement changed Welsh rugby forever

Welsh rugby clubs' decision to vote through radical proposals to allow Welsh Rugby Union governance reform was greeted with rapturous applause at a historic EGM on Sunday.

A huge majority of 97.22% voted to approve the WRU's proposals to increase the number of skilled independent people on their board and slash the number of elected members from clubs. An independent chair and a desire for at least five of the 12 WRU board members to be women were also part of the proposals, which have been approved.

In total, 252 club voted with 79 proxy votes, while 30 clubs were not present having declined to vote or had put their proxy form in after the deadline had passed.

It followed damning allegations of sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism at the union made earlier this year.

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Now, in footage showing the EGM released by the WRU, figures including chairman Ieuan Evans, president Gerald Davies and acting chief executive Nigel Walker can be seen making one final plea to member clubs having spent weeks trying to convince them of the benefits of voting through the changes.

WRU president Gerald Davies can be seen addressing the Port Talbot summit, saying: "This is an important day for the Welsh Rugby Union. There have been, as you are well aware, many challenges facing the union over the past few weeks. This meeting has been called by the board, your board, to discuss and consider significant and important governance changes."

WRU chair Ieuan Evans said: "Today is an enormous day for us all. As clubs and as a union, rugby in Wales will not be the same following today.

"Thank you for talking to us, thank you for receiving us at your clubs the length and breadth of this great nation of ours, thank you for turning up in such numbers today, and a special thank you to every member club for attending district meetings around the country.

"The repercussions of a positive vote would be nothing short of momentous. Our daughters and our sons will thank us for what we did today, and Welsh rugby will rise.

"Give us your opinions, make your contributions, tell us where we're going wrong, continue to challenge and test us, but vote yes and not only will your club and members reap rewards, but you'll be allowing Welsh rugby to thrive for generations to come."

After the vote was passed, Evans added: "Thank you for giving us the tools to do a better job on your behalf."

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