‘Devastated’ Cardiff Chairman Resigns as CEO Amid Club Takeover
In a shocking turn of events, Alun Jones, the chairman of Cardiff Rugby, has stepped down following the club’s acquisition by the Welsh Rugby Union. The club’s chief executive, Richard Holland, is also contemplating his future after the team went into administration. The turmoil began when Cardiff’s owners, Helford Capital, failed to meet their financial obligations, leading to the takeover by the WRU. As part of the transition, Holland has been transferred to the WRU’s subsidiary, while Jones has not.
During a press conference at the Arms Park, WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood clarified the changes in roles, stating that because Jones is not an employee of Cardiff Rugby Limited, he did not transfer to the WRU’s subsidiary. On the other hand, Holland, as an employee, made the transition. The future roles of the staff members who transferred will be assessed over the next few weeks, and decisions on their positions will be made by WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney.
Holland, who has been serving as CEO since 2012, expressed his priority of ensuring the welfare of the staff amidst the club’s challenges. While he initially stated that he had not considered stepping down, he later admitted that he would reflect on his position and consult with the relevant stakeholders. Jones, who had been the chair since January 2019, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing that it was not the outcome he had anticipated. He highlighted a mix of emotions, including relief for the staff and players, disappointment at the situation, and a sense of devastation for the end of his tenure.
The collaboration between Cardiff Rugby and the WRU was praised by Jones, who acknowledged the swift response of the WRU in stepping in to support the club. Reflecting on the recent challenges faced by the club, Holland acknowledged the proactive measures taken to address issues early on, ensuring the protection of staff and players. Despite the uncertainties surrounding their roles, both Holland and Jones expressed their commitment to the club and its future, underscoring the significance of Cardiff Rugby within Welsh rugby.
As the club undergoes a period of transition under WRU control, the focus remains on maintaining the club’s operations as an independent subsidiary. The reassurance of treating Cardiff Rugby on par with other Welsh clubs reflects the commitment to upholding the integrity and legacy of the team. With the leadership changes and uncertainties ahead, the Cardiff Rugby community awaits further updates on the restructuring of the club and the resolutions to ensure its sustainability and success in the future.