Gareth Davies: Appointed chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union

Former Wales fly-half Gareth Davies has been named as chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union.

The 59-year-old replaces David Pickering, who left the role following an 11-year spell after failing to gain re-election to the WRU board of directors as a national representative.

Two national representative vacancies were filled following the appointment of Davies and ex-Wales prop Anthony Buchanan.

Davies' elevation to chairman follows a vote of WRU board members, when he defeated board director Martin Davies in a secret ballot.

We must continue to evolve and develop to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges ahead, and I am determined to ensure the WRU is a governing body we can be proud of/ Gareth Davies

The WRU confirmed that Davies will take up the post with immediate effect, stepping down from his current role as Dragons chief executive after serving a notice period, to avoid any conflict of interest.

"I want to thank the board of directors for their support and confidence in my ability to represent the WRU in this role," said Davies, who won 21 caps.

"I have also been encouraged by the support I have already received from so many grassroots clubs.

"I also want to personally thank the departing chairman, David Pickering, for the immense contribution he has made across the past 11 years he held this post.

"We must continue to evolve and develop to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges ahead, and I am determined to ensure the WRU is a governing body we can be proud of."