Founded in 1881 the Welsh Rugby Union is the governing body of the game in Wales. Administering its 222 member clubs, its affiliated district clubs and schools and youth organisations, its responsibility is to govern competently and provide sound leadership.

Presided over by The Rt Hon Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE DL and chaired by Mr Glanmor Griffiths, its administrative committee is made up of 32 elected members, five of whom form an executive committee.

Playing matters are centred at the Union's Rugby Directorate, which is headed by Terry Cobner. The National Team forms the pinnacle of its pyramid-based system, with a coaching structure permeating down to junior school level. The nurturing of young talent, through to the fielding of a national team of world repute, forms the basic aim of the directorate.

The Welsh Rugby Union sees itself as an integral part of the dynamic development of the world wide game as it heads for the next millennium.