Wales’ four professional teams – Cardiff Rugby, Dragons Rugby, Ospreys and Scarlets – and Marianne Okland, Independent Director of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), would like to express their sadness to learn PRB chair Amanda Blanc is stepping down from the role and the Board of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Amanda succeeded David Lovett, and previously Sir Wyn Williams, in the role in December 2019, and was an outstanding appointment to the professional game in Wales.
The Group Chief Executive of Aviva was the exact calibre of businessperson required to drive the game forward in Wales and we would like to thank Amanda for all of her efforts during the last two years.
Amanda navigated the game through the unforeseen and unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked with integrity, professionalism, empathy and commitment throughout.
During her tenure Amanda has championed collaboration, cooperation, discussion and debate between the regions for the betterment of the entire professional game.
We will continue to work with our colleagues at the WRU to ensure a suitable successor is found, with the jurisdiction and ability to drive the professional game and ensure its continued competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global rugby landscape
On behalf of Cardiff Rugby, Dragons Rugby, Ospreys, Scarlets and Marianne Okland, we would once again express our thanks to Amanda and our very best wishes for the future.