#prb — Public Fediverse posts

Aviation weather for Paso Robles Municipal airport (USA) is “KPRB 121953Z AUTO 07008KT 10SM CLR 24/07 A3032 RMK AO2 SLP263 T02440067” : See what it means on https://www.bigorre.org/aero/meteo/kprb/en #pasoroblesmunicipalairport #airport #pasorobles #usa #kprb #prb #metar #aviation #aviationweather #avgeek vl

WRU: Professional rugby boss quits days before crunch EGM vote

Malcolm Wall, the independent chair of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), will step down on Saturday when his extended three-year term comes to an end.

His departure comes at a time of unprecedented turmoil for the game in Wales, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) facing a legal challenge over its plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is also looming, where clubs will hold a vote of no confidence in both the chair of the WRU, Richard Collier-Keywood, and the chair of the PRB – the role Wall is vacating.

In a parting statement, Wall, a former chairman of Premiership side Harlequins, admitted he was leaving at a challenging time for the sport.

“The last few years have been a challenging time for Welsh rugby at all levels and it is unavoidable that my term has come to its natural end with some issues unresolved,” he said.

Wall acknowledged that while the WRU had done much to improve its governance and culture, the “men’s professional game remains challenged.”

He called for greater funding for the professional clubs, adding: “As the smallest tier one rugby nation, Wales needs to be the smartest. This needs resourcing alongside a collective will.”

“It is not always easy and change brings upheaval – but I have no doubt that the indomitable spirit of Welsh rugby will prevail.”

Wall will be replaced on an interim basis by fellow independent PRB member Marianne Økland, a Norway-born financier who has been on the board since 2020.

Økland takes the helm as the WRU pushes on with its controversial plans to restructure the professional game, which has sparked a legal challenge from both Swansea Council and the Scarlets.

It is not yet clear whether the vote of no confidence in the PRB chair will go ahead now that Wall has departed.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood, who also faces a no-confidence vote at the EGM, thanked Wall for his “service and his steady counsel.”

“Our interim arrangement gives us the flexibility to complete a robust appointment process while continuing to work constructively with the professional clubs on the future structure of elite rugby,” Collier-Keywood said.

Incoming interim chair Marianne Økland said her immediate priorities were to “work collaboratively” with all parties to move forward “at pace where possible given the complexity of the task.”

WRU parachutes in interim chair as Malcolm Wall exits days after shock resignation

Økland, already a senior figure inside the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), will take over as interim chair from 15 March as the Union battles to finalise new licence deals for the four pro clubs.

Her appointment lands at a turbulent moment for the WRU, coming hot on the heels of Wall’s abrupt departure and with negotiations over the entire structure of elite rugby still unresolved.

A leadership gap — and a scramble to fill it

Wall’s extended three‑year term ends on 14 March, closing a chapter he admits leaves “some issues unresolved”.

He said Welsh rugby had made progress in governance, culture and the community game — but warned the men’s professional tier “remains challenged” and needs fresh investment, smarter structures and a united approach.

He added that Wales “needs to be the smartest” to compete as a small Tier One nation, calling for better pathways, coaching development and centralised support for the regions.

Who is Marianne Økland?

Økland joined the PRB in 2020 as an independent non‑executive member and is midway through her second term. A former investment banker, she becomes the third independent chair since the board was created in 2019 to modernise the professional game.

Her interim appointment gives the WRU breathing room as talks with the regions continue over new licences — a process that will shape funding, control and the future of elite rugby in Wales.

The PRB includes representatives from all four pro clubs, the Welsh Rugby Players Association, and senior WRU executives including the CEO and COO.

‘My priorities are clear’

Marianne Økland, interim PRB chair, said she wanted to “work collaboratively” with the WRU, the regions and the WRPA to move the professional game forward “at pace” despite the complexity of the task.

She thanked Wall for his “friendship and tireless contribution” and said she had already spoken to all PRB members, who had given her their backing.

WRU: ‘A vital role at a critical time’

Richard Collier Keywood, WRU independent chair, said Wall had provided “steady counsel” and that the interim arrangement would allow the Union to complete a full appointment process while keeping negotiations with the clubs on track.

The WRU has hinted that the PRB itself may evolve as part of the wider restructuring of elite rugby — another sign of how much remains in flux.

What happens next?

Økland steps in immediately, but the real test will come in the weeks ahead as the WRU and regions try to hammer out the long‑awaited licence agreements.

With Wall gone, the governance overhaul unfinished and the professional game still financially fragile, Welsh rugby enters yet another pivotal chapter — and the clock is ticking.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU professional rugby boss quits days before crunch EGM vote
Our original report on Malcolm Wall’s sudden departure and the looming governance showdown.

More WRU coverage
All the latest developments as Welsh rugby navigates its biggest shake‑up in years.

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Ok, so two teams in #TheOceanRace now have a 24h-distance above the previous record (set by Comanche, just about twice the size of an #Imoca), with a third yacht just about 1% below the record. Amazing technology!
https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/news/14174_Team-Holcim-PRB-blows-past-records
#GoKevin #GoBoris #PRB #Malizia @segeln

⛵ Absolut nichts auf dem Video von #PRB macht den Eindruck, dass die Wetterbedingungen wirklich hart waren, als der #Mastbruch passierte ...
https://www.eurosport.de/segeln/the-ocean-race/2022-2023/the-ocean-race-mastbruch-im-morgengrauen-holcim-prb-muss-4.-etappe-aufgeben_vid1903607/video.shtml @segeln #TheOceanRace #KevinEscoffier #Lorima

⛵ Absolut nichts auf dem Video von #PRB macht den Eindruck, dass die Wetterbedingungen wirklich hart waren, als der #Mastbruch passierte ...
https://www.eurosport.de/segeln/the-ocean-race/2022-2023/the-ocean-race-mastbruch-im-morgengrauen-holcim-prb-muss-4.-etappe-aufgeben_vid1903607/video.shtml @segeln #TheOceanRace #KevinEscoffier #Lorima

😲 https://www.theoceanrace.com/en/news/13963_Team-Holcim-PRB-has-dismasted-all-crew-safe
#TheOceanRace #PRB

That's a pity! Of all people, something like this always has to happen to Kevin, the engineer ...!