Lewis fails in WRU election bid

Steve Lewis is a former chief executive of the WRU

Former Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Lewis has failed in his bid to be elected to the WRU's board.

The WRU's vice chairman Ken Hewitt beat Lewis 48 votes to 15 to continue as District A's representative in Monday's election.

Dennis Gethin earlier secured his position as Welsh Rugby Union president after beat off former board member Howard Watkins from Caldicot RFC.

Gethin polled 182 votes from Welsh clubs to Watkins' 33.

WRU chairman David Pickering and fellow national appointed director Gerald Davies have already been re-elected to their roles.

It's extremely healthy that people of calibre put their names forward for election WRU chairman David Pickering

Roy Giddings (District B), Ray Wilton (District C) and Aurwel Morgan (District D) were also re-elected unopposed and will serve further three-year terms.

Long-standing representative Hewitt will not only continue as District A's representative but also remain on the Board of the WRU.

Defeated Lewis was at the helm of Welsh rugby's governing body during the controversial February 2006 departure of Mike Ruddock as Wales coach.

After leaving the WRU in December 2006, Lewis became involved in talks surrounding a consortium's failed bid to take over Newport Gwent Dragons.

Hewitt said: "I'm delighted to be continuing to serve as a board member.

"It's an honour for me personally and it shows the support the clubs have for the board at the moment as we take our game forward."

WRU chairman David Pickering said: "It's extremely healthy that people of calibre put their names forward for election.

"However, the outstanding service that the vice chairman of the WRU has given to this district over the years has been recognised by the overwhelming support of the clubs of District A."