Abi Tierney faces a monumental challenge but she hasn't been helped by her predecessor
The WRU CEO has a huge job on her hands to turn things round in Welsh rugby
Understandably those with an emotional stake in Welsh rugby are reluctant to trust promises made by the Welsh Rugby Union, who last week unveiled its new five-year headline strategy. Former chief executives have made promises about investing in the professional game in the past, but sustained periods of success have rarely followed.
Indeed this journalist has conducted many interviews with senior figures at the WRU over the past seven or so years where promises of success have been given but rarely delivered. However, there is one significant different this time around.
Previously the state of the regional game was largely ignored because the senior men's national side were winning, but in 2024 Warren Gatland's side have picked up their first Six Nations Wooden Spoon for 21 years and have lost their last seven Test matches with very little to indicate things will change anytime soon.
As I sat in the Principality Stadium on Wednesday listening to WRU CEO Abi Tierney and its chair Richard Collier-Keywood outline its strategy there was one line which struck a chord.