Business leader hits out at 'joke' WRU handling of Cardiff takeover

ONE OF Wales’ most prominent entrepreneurs has blasted the Welsh Rugby Union’s handling of the controversial Y11 takeover of Cardiff as a “joke” - and is now urging member clubs to force an extraordinary general meeting in a bid to oust chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby reporter

> Entrepreneur Hayley Parsons is calling for the ousting of WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood

(Gareth Everett)

Hayley Parsons founded Go.Compare and has helped build many successful Welsh businesses, while she was previously an independent non-executive director on the Cardiff Rugby board.

In a letter sent to all member clubs Parsons claims their lack of transparency surrounding the potential Y11 takeover of Cardiff is a joke.

The WRU has entered into a 60-day exclusivity period with Ospreys owners Y11 as it looks to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three.

Last week Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart alleged that if the Y11 purchase of Cardiff is completed the WRU plan to demote the Ospreys to semiprofessional status but the WRU have not confirmed this.

“Firstly, let’s talk about the Y11 deal. Financially it might be the best offer on the table for Cardiff and for the WRU?” wrote Parsons.

“Similarly, the three-region solution might be the best answer to solve the ongoing funding and pathway issues. But the way the WRU has gone about brokering this deal is truly appalling.

“The lack of transparency with staff, players, clubs, fans, and other affected regions is, in my opinion, a joke.

“Fundamentally, you can’t run a successful business when you disrespect your product - the rugby - and your best asset - your people. I know for a fact that as of February 6 nobody at the WRU or Y11 had spoken to the Ospreys about the issue or answered any of their questions”

Parsons alleges there is a “toxic culture” within the WRU which is having a detrimental effect on its staff.