Wales Rugby League (WRL) is pleased to welcome two new additions to its non-executive Board of Directors.
Paul Richards joins the Board with numerous years’ service as a HR executive working for UK and International companies. Hailing from Llanelli, he has spent most of his working life in the Midlands before returning to Wales to establish the General Dynamics factory in Merthyr.
He currently runs his own HR consultancy company, advising companies on challenging and complex people issues as well as coaching a number of young HR Managers in industry. He’s also an advisor to the Ministry of Justice for the recruitment and management of JP’s. A rugby union referee for more than 33 years, Paul is looking forward to contributing to WRL.
“I’m focussed on ensuring we implement best practice HR processes to the organisation,” said Paul.
“By playing my part, I believe we can continue to grow as an organisation and have an exciting future ahead.”
Andy Morgan has joined the Board as Communication and Media Director. Andy has almost 15 years’ experience in communications roles, beginning his career working in rugby league for Wakefield Trinity and Hull Kingston Rovers. For the past eight years, he has worked in the communications team of Yorkshire Sport Foundation, a Sport England funded charity that works to make activity part of everyone’s life in South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
His professional career has also seen involvement at World Cups in both codes of rugby, as well as experience at Cricket World Cup 2019. Originally from Aberavon, Andy has lived in Yorkshire for nearly 20 years, having studied sports journalism at Leeds Trinity University.
Andy’s first involvement with WRL came in 2022 when he was appointed as Media Manager for the Men’s senior team ahead of the World Cup.
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to play my part in helping Wales Rugby League be the best we can be,” said Andy.
“In my current role at Yorkshire Sport Foundation, I see the power sport has to make a positive difference to people’s lives. In rugby league, we have a sport that provides opportunities for everyone and can have an impact on communities throughout Wales. By celebrating that and sharing those stories, we can show people that rugby league is an option to support them in living a happy and healthy life for as long as possible.
“By doing that, our communication will play its part in an increased player pool for our representative teams. As a proud Welshman, I love seeing our national teams doing well, whatever that sport may be. To be given the chance to influence that by joining the Board of Directors is a responsibility and a challenge, but one that’s excites me and will continue to drive me to do all I can to help us succeed across all levels of the game.”
The appointment of the new Chair will be confirmed in the coming weeks.