Ieuan Evans has been appointed as the new WRU chair ©Getty Images

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions winger Ieuan Evans has been appointed as chair of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), succeeding Rob Butcher who served for two years in the role but stood down last year.

Evans follows Vernon Pugh QC, Glanmor Griffiths, David Pickering, Gareth Davies and Butcher to become the WRU's sixth chair since 1993.

The 58-year-old was elected as a national council member of the WRU in 2020 and immediately elected to the Board before serving as vice-chair since 2021.

He already represents Wales on the World Rugby Council and also chairs the Lions Board.

"It is a huge honour for me to take up the position of chair of the Welsh Rugby Union and I fully intend to repay member clubs and my fellow directors for the faith they have shown in me," said Evans, who will continue in his role as Lions Board chair in tandem with his new position.

"We should continue to celebrate what we do best and we have much to be proud of in our community game, where our clubs are the hubs of the cities, towns and villages in which they reside.

"Just as we should continue to be ambitious and proud of our achievements in the professional game, but we also know we must evolve and progress.

Ieuan Evans amassed 72 caps for Wales and seven appearances for the British and Irish Lions in his playing career ©Getty Images
Ieuan Evans amassed 72 caps for Wales and seven appearances for the British and Irish Lions in his playing career ©Getty Images

"The Welsh Rugby Union has one central mission to ensure sustainability and success throughout our game and this will be my mantra in the days, weeks, months and years ahead."

Evans is Wales' fourth-highest try scorer behind Shane Williams, George North and Gareth Thomas with 33 scores.

He captained the 1994 side that won the Five Nations Championship and won on three tours with the Lions; to Australia in 1989, New Zealand in 1993, and South Africa in 1997.

"The relationship between CEO and chair is vitally important," said WRU chief executive Steve Phillips.

"Ieuan is a hugely popular and significant figure in the Board room and respected around the world game, as is proven by the positions he already holds on World Rugby and as chair of the Lions.

"I know he has strong views about governance modernisation alongside the rest of the Board and fully understands our professional game.

"I know his impact will be immediate in terms of the style and acumen he will bring to the position of chair.

"I am very much looking forward to working with him as we chart the future for our game together."