Josh Lewsey resigns from Welsh Rugby Union role for ‘personal reasons’

The 2003 World Cup winner was praised for the 'dedication, energy and vision' he brought to the role

Josh Lewsey has announced he will be leaving his job as head of rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union (Getty Images)

Josh Lewsey has announced his resignation as the Welsh Rugby Union’s head of rugby. The England 2003 World Cup winner will leave in January after two and a half years in the job. He said his decision was based on personal reasons.

After his playing career ended in 2009, Lewsey worked in management consultancy and as an equities sales trader. The 38-year-old then spent six months as interim chief executive of the Cornish Pirates rugby team before moving to Wales.

“I came to work here with a specific focus in mind, seeing the opportunity and need to address the underlying structures whilst the national team were so successful,” Lewsey said. “Clearly there is still lots to address, not least some misperceptions, but plans are already under way to do so.

“I can leave with these things in good hands and if we can also reach a collective approach there, then the foundations of Welsh rugby will be moving to a good place.

“To avoid speculation and be entirely honest, alongside the above reaching a stage that it can be self-sustaining, there have been some developments over the last year relating to personal matters, meaning that I couldn’t continue to be in Wales on a full-time basis.”

WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips praised Lewsey for the “dedication, energy and vision” he has brought to Welsh rugby, adding: “There is no doubt his principle achievement has been to drive strategic change and put in place a club-hub structure which is already proving successful in introducing a new core of young players into the game.”

PA