Richard Hibbard - Chief Executive
| Date Of Birth | 13/12/1983 |
| Place Of Birth | Neath |
| Education | Glanafan Comprehensive School |
| Clubs | Gloucester Rugby, Aberavon, Swansea, Aberavon Fighting Irish, St Helens Reserves, Taibach |
| Regions | Dragons, Ospreys |
| Honours | Wales, British and Irish Lions, Wales Dragonhearts, Wales RL U19, Wales Youth RU |
| Invitational | Barbarians, Crawshays |
| Managed | Wales RL Management |
Position – Chief Executive Officer
Date of appointment - 22/04/2024
Email here
Richard had a professional rugby career spanning 18 years and is also an entrepreneur with extensive experience in elite performance environments and business leadership. Following a distinguished rugby union career representing Wales and the British & Irish Lions, Richard transitioned into business ownership, developing expertise in commercial strategy, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement and financial oversight. As CEO of Wales Rugby League, he combines elite sporting insight with entrepreneurial expertise to drive sustainable growth and organisational excellence.
Core Competencies & Areas of Support
Commercial Strategy; Leadership & Organisational Development; High-Performance Culture; Governance; Financial Sustainability; Stakeholder Engagement; Community Development.
WRL Strategic Vision & Success Metrics
What does success look like in 12 months? (e.g., specific governance changes, financial targets, or participation numbers)
Increase commercial revenues, strengthen governance, grow participation numbers and establish clear player pathways.
What does success look like in 2–5 Years? (e.g., the long-term impact on the sport in Wales and the Board’s legacy)
Build a financially sustainable organisation, strengthen the domestic game and enhance Wales' international competitiveness.
Identify the three most urgent issues we must address in the short- to medium-term and provide your initial thoughts on the solutions.
Priority 1: Financial Sustainability
Proposed Solution: diversify revenue through partnerships and commercial initiatives.
Priority 2: Participation & Pathway Development
Proposed Solution: invest in schools, clubs and coaching
Priority 3: Profile & Engagement
Proposed Solution: strengthen marketing and stakeholder communications
Purpose & Passion
What drives your passion for sport, and specifically, why have you chosen to dedicate your time to Wales Rugby League?
To use the transformative power of sport to create opportunities for future generations and help Wales Rugby League realise its full potential.
Which core values (e.g., Integrity, Inclusion, Ambition) do you bring to your decision-making on this Board?
Integrity, Accountability, Ambition, Inclusion, Respect, and Collaboration.
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside of your professional life, what are your key interests, hobbies, or family commitments?
Entrepreneur, business owner, family-focused and passionate advocate for Welsh sport.
What are your two greatest achievements (include an example of personal and work-related)
Professional: Wales international and 2013 British & Irish Lion. Personal: Successful transition from elite sport into business leadership.
Commitment, Availability & Advocacy
What day’s/hours typically work best for you?
Flexible availability to support the requirements of the CEO role.
Date of appointment - 22/04/2024
Email here
Richard had a professional rugby career spanning 18 years and is also an entrepreneur with extensive experience in elite performance environments and business leadership. Following a distinguished rugby union career representing Wales and the British & Irish Lions, Richard transitioned into business ownership, developing expertise in commercial strategy, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement and financial oversight. As CEO of Wales Rugby League, he combines elite sporting insight with entrepreneurial expertise to drive sustainable growth and organisational excellence.
Core Competencies & Areas of Support
Commercial Strategy; Leadership & Organisational Development; High-Performance Culture; Governance; Financial Sustainability; Stakeholder Engagement; Community Development.
WRL Strategic Vision & Success Metrics
What does success look like in 12 months? (e.g., specific governance changes, financial targets, or participation numbers)
Increase commercial revenues, strengthen governance, grow participation numbers and establish clear player pathways.
What does success look like in 2–5 Years? (e.g., the long-term impact on the sport in Wales and the Board’s legacy)
Build a financially sustainable organisation, strengthen the domestic game and enhance Wales' international competitiveness.
Identify the three most urgent issues we must address in the short- to medium-term and provide your initial thoughts on the solutions.
Priority 1: Financial Sustainability
Proposed Solution: diversify revenue through partnerships and commercial initiatives.
Priority 2: Participation & Pathway Development
Proposed Solution: invest in schools, clubs and coaching
Priority 3: Profile & Engagement
Proposed Solution: strengthen marketing and stakeholder communications
Purpose & Passion
What drives your passion for sport, and specifically, why have you chosen to dedicate your time to Wales Rugby League?
To use the transformative power of sport to create opportunities for future generations and help Wales Rugby League realise its full potential.
Which core values (e.g., Integrity, Inclusion, Ambition) do you bring to your decision-making on this Board?
Integrity, Accountability, Ambition, Inclusion, Respect, and Collaboration.
Beyond the Boardroom
Outside of your professional life, what are your key interests, hobbies, or family commitments?
Entrepreneur, business owner, family-focused and passionate advocate for Welsh sport.
What are your two greatest achievements (include an example of personal and work-related)
Professional: Wales international and 2013 British & Irish Lion. Personal: Successful transition from elite sport into business leadership.
Commitment, Availability & Advocacy
What day’s/hours typically work best for you?
Flexible availability to support the requirements of the CEO role.
