The pressure on the whole WRU leadership has been ramped up after the governing body confirmed it has received a formal requisition to hold an extraordinary general meeting.
That EGM could soon culminate in a vote of no confidence in chair Collier-Keywood and the rejection of his unconfirmed plan to get rid of the Ospreys.
While a precise date has not yet been confirmed, the WRU has a maximum window of seven weeks to stage the EGM, making late March or early April the most likely timeframe once the Six Nations has concluded.
It means the WRU’s long-term plan to reduce the number of professional men’s teams from four to three by allowing the Ospreys owners to buy Cardiff and then bin the Swansea-based region, are now under renewed threat.
The Union is already facing a High Court injunction and a case before the Competition and Markets Authority and now they face an EGM.
Their lawyers are going to be busy.
The push for an EGM has been driven by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union (CGRU) district, based within the Ospreys region.
They wrote to clubs across Wales in January seeking support.
The WRU initially branded the EGM plan as an “irresponsible first nuclear option” that could cause “significant damage” to Welsh rugby.
A month on, their tone is much more concilliatory following weeks of negative reaction to their Ospreys plan as well as legal challenges.
The CGRU say they have secured the backing of the required 10% of member clubs — around 30 of the nearly 300 across the country — to force the issue.
In a letter dated 22 February, CGRU honorary secretary Derek Davies confirmed the formal step had been taken, writing that the district had “submitted the requisition” to the WRU.
The WRU has acknowledged receipt and outlined the procedural steps that must now follow.
It says it must first verify that the requisition complies fully with its constitution and articles of association.
Once that process is complete, the union has 21 days to give formal notice of the EGM, with the meeting itself then required to take place within 28 days.
In practical terms, that places the meeting no more than seven weeks after 22 February.
If held, it would be the fourth EGM in the last 12 years, following the most recent AGM in November 2025.
While CGRU has not disclosed the exact number of clubs backing the move, it thanked “the substantial number of member clubs who have also given their support without the paperwork”.
Three motions will be debated at the EGM.
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The first is a vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall, which would require a simple majority of clubs attending to pass.
A second motion calls for elections to be held for the four elected WRU board positions within 14 days of the EGM, again needing more than 50% support.
A third motion, requiring a 75% majority, seeks to change how WRU districts and council members are elected.
Beyond the formal motions, CGRU has also tabled a series of recommendations that amount to a caall for the Union to pause its plan to slash the number of pro teams and have a re-think.
They also want a full review of WRU finances and staffing costs, the creation of a rugby steering group to reduce reliance on consultants, and the establishment of a central national academy for male and female players.
It also proposes that, aside from the chief executive, chair and PRB chair, no directors should be paid.
The timing of the EGM request intensifies existing turmoil within Welsh rugby.
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Swansea Council is seeking a High Court injunction to block a proposed deal between the WRU and Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media to purchase Cardiff Rugby — a move that would directly lead to the Ospreys losing their professional status if the WRU proceeds with its plan to cut one region.
Since appearing before the Welsh Affairs select committee in the House of Commons last month, Collier-Keywood has kept a very low profile.
He has not done any media interviews and was not spotted at either of Wales' home matches in the Six Nations, against France and Scotland.
In a statement, the WRU said: “The WRU published its plans for the future of the elite game in Wales at the end of October 2025, following an extensive consultation process.
“We are now focused on rolling out that plan and have been working tirelessly with the key stakeholders during the last months to agree a consensus on its implementation.
“We ask all stakeholders to continue working with us. We recognise that change is challenging, but it is essential for the long-term health of the game in Wales.”
