WRU dispenses with leading pair

Steve Lewis will leave his job as the WRU chief executive

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced that both chief executive Steve Lewis and Millennium Stadium chief executive Paul Sergeant will leave their posts.

That will leave the new WRU group chief executive, Roger Lewis, with a largely free hand to run the Union's business.

A new Director of Elite Performance will be appointed in the new year to help oversee the playing structure.

"Now is the time to take a long, hard look at our organisation and find the best route forward," Roger Lewis said.

"I would like to thank both Steve and Paul for their contributions to the business."

Steve Lewis started as WRU general manager in March 2003, before being promoted to chief executive under Roger Lewis' predecessor, David Moffett.

Sergeant began as Millennium Stadium general manager a month after Steve Lewis started his first role and was also promoted to chief executive under Moffett's stewardship at the WRU.

The global search for the right (Director of Elite Performance) candidate begins in the new year WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis

Steve Lewis is said to be "considering a number of rugby-related opportunities" while Sergeant has decided to step down from his position to "pursue opportunities in the southern hemisphere".

The surprise announcement also included the news that the WRU will create a new post of Director of Elite Performance.

That role will be similar to the one that Rob Andrew holds in English rugby with the Rugby Football Union.

Roger Lewis, who was appointed as WRU group chief executive in September, is determined to continue improvements on the playing side.

"I want to introduce into our professional game someone of world standing in elite performance who can oversee all the requirements of our top-flight players and management from academy level upwards," Roger Lewis said.

"The global search for the right candidate begins in the new year.

"Our national coach, Gareth Jenkins, and his excellent management team have plans well in hand for our 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Paul Sergeant will stand down as Millennium Stadium chief executive

"I expect the new Director of Elite Performance to have a major impact on our 2011 Rugby World Cup development, building on the existing strong foundations that are already in place in our elite structure."

Sergeant's role will be filled by Gerry Toms, the former chief superintendent of South Wales Police, who will move up from Millennium Stadium Safety and Operations Manager.

Steve Lewis will not be replaced as Roger Lewis will take a wider role in the WRU's affairs.

The opening of the new Wembley Stadium has taken big football events such as the FA Cup back from the Millennium Stadium.

The loss of those revenues, plus Wales only having two home matches in this season's RBS Six Nations rugby championship, means the WRU faces a financially difficult year ahead.

The WRU will also be announcing the names of the successful candidates to fill the new posts of Director of Finance and Head of Communications over the coming weeks.