Following the London Welsh AGM this week, the club is excited to present your new look board for the 2023/24 season.
Following the official end of the well publicised ‘5 year plan’ that has seen London Welsh successfully complete the goal of achieving 4 promotions in 5 seasons (achieved in 4 seasons with last season being a consolidation season at level 5); the Board has undertaken a strategic review as we move to the next phase of Project Reset.
With the increased demands that come with 4 league promotions and the increased competition at level 5, we welcome 3 new members to the board for 2023/24 season. Your Board:
Danny Griffiths remains as your Chairman. Danny is entering his 5th season in the role following taking over the mantle from Gwyn Williams after year 1 of project reset in 2018/2019 season. Danny has been involved with our Club for over 30 years, from player, to committee member and leader of the Board.
Haydn Parry continues in his role as People Director, looking after the CareersHUB and the general experience and well being of our club members, staff and players as a whole. Haydn also continues in his role as Vice Chairman. Haydn has been a rock in the foundation of London Welsh RFC for over 15 years and is a genuine father figure to our community. Haydn was Chairman of the London Welsh Supporters Club until 2021.
Jonathan Shankland continues the role of Legal & Financial Engagement Director. Jon moved to this role last season having spent 4 seasons as Head of Men’s Rugby. This role encompasses the legal oversight of the club, as well managing the club’s relationships with sponsors. Jon played for Welsh until 2019 having joined in 2011 and entering his 13th year of involement with the club; he came on to the board as part of project reset in 2017.
Mike Talbot continues in his role as Operations Director. Mike has been with London Welsh for 24 years this year, starting with our Mini Sections in the late 1990s when his children were young. Mike’s role encompasses oversight and management of our facility at Old Deer Park and control of club assets.
Gareth Vaughan-Jones remains on the Board but moves roles to take up an exciting new position, as Director of Community Rugby. Gareth has been part of our club for 14 years, since becoming team manager for the u7s in 2009/2010. Gareth is a huge character around the club, taking on vital roles at board level for the Minis, youth and now the club as a whole. The London Welsh faithful will be very familiar with Gareth and his roles on matchday as match announcer, and previously matchday host. Gareth’s new role will see him taking the lead in our relationships with local schools and feeder clubs with a specific priority concentrating on the Academy Pathway from Minis through to youth and eventually the performance squad for both our men and women. Many will be relieved to hear that Gareth retains his matchday role also!
That takes us to our new members:
Ruth Barton returns to the Board following a brief sabbatical when she left the board in 2022. Ruth is again a very well known character at Old Deer Park! Ruth joined the women’s playing side in 2004 and has led the Women’s side in many ways ever since! Ruth joined having previously played in what is now the women’s Premiership and needless to say (aside from board duties) Ruth is still playing to this day! Ruth takes on the critical and new role of Communications & Media Director. This role places new focus on our interaction with our community and with our partners and the wider media. Welcome back Ruth.
Andrew Williams joins as Financial Director. Andrew is also a former London Welsh player, having also played in the Welsh Premiership for Bridgend before moving to TW9. Andrew is an accountant by trade and brings to this critical role a new level of financial oversight, experience and control as we enter the critical phase 2 of project reset. Andrew joined the club in 2002 and played his last match for the VETS in 2019! Welcome to the Board Andrew.
Finally, Director of Rugby Cai Griffiths also formally joins the Board as a non voting member in order to increase communication and interaction between coaching staff, playing squad and the Board. Welcome Cai.
As the club looks to move into phase 2 of project reset, we believe that the tweaks and additions that have been made at Board level will position the club well to kick on into the 2023/24 season.
The Board looks forward to seeing you all and answering any questions that you may have, during pre season and as we build up to the start of our 138th season!
If you do have any questions for the Board then do reach out via the general enquiries address in the contacts section of the website.
Here is to a cracking 2023/24!
#COYW
