Welsh Rugby Union names businessman Lyndon Faulkner as new chair

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has named former Newport and Ponytpool player Lyndon Faulkner as the governing body's new chairman.

The 66-year-old is the nephew of legendary Wales and Pontypool prop Tony "Charlie" Faulkner and has become a successful businessman in the United States since his playing days.

Faulkner will take over the role vacated by Richard Collier-Keywood at the WRU's annual general meeting on Sunday, 22 November.

He will do so at a time when the WRU is planning to cut the game's professional tier from four to three teams, with west Wales sides Ospreys and Scarlets vying to avoid becoming surplus to requirements.

The WRU has already confirmed the team it owns, Cardiff, and privately-backed Dragons, will continue to exist beyond the 2027-28 season.

The WRU described Faulkner's appointment as "a major coup" and said he can "court the respect of both its community and professional game and the wider business world around it".

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In a WRU statement Faulkner said: "This is a pivotal time for the game and I will start by listening to those around me and of course remaining open to credible challenge."

He added: "I know personally how important Welsh rugby is in many different ways to the nation.

"So, it is a huge privilege for me to return to Welsh rugby as chair of the WRU and give something back to a sport which has helped define me and means so much to me, my family, friends and the people of Wales."

The WRU said Faulkner would bring a "fresh perspective" and his mandate, as well as ambassadorial, was to lead strategic direction for the game in Wales and to hold its executive team and staff to account.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, who in April 2026 denied Collier-Keywood had been forced out, said: "I know Lyndon and I are ready to form a formidable team working to advance Welsh rugby at all levels."

Faulkner attended Bassaleg Comprehensive School in Newport and played for Newport Youth before going on to figure at centre for their senior side and Pontypool when they were one of Wales' leading teams.

After injury ended his playing days, Faulkner progressed off the field into the corporate world where he has held senior roles including with Technicolor®/Nimbus CD International, Microsoft and Nimbus CD International, Pelican Products and Peli Biothermal.

Faulkner's CV also includes entrepreneur awards and appearing on US TV series 'The Mentor' as well as lecturing at Stanford University Business School and at the University of Virginia's Darden Business School.