Welsh Rugby Union appoints Tomos Grace as new Chief Commercial Officer
Welsh Rugby Union appoints Tomos Grace as new Chief Commercial Officer
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The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed Cardiff-born sports media specialist Tomos Grace as its new Chief Commercial Officer, who will take up the role in January 2026.
Grace, who previously held senior roles at YouTube and Google, will join the Union in January 2026, reporting directly to CEO Abi Tierney.
His appointment follows the planned retirement of current CCO Leighton Davies, who will step down from the full-time executive role after helping steer a major financial turnaround at the organisation.
Grace will take responsibility for the WRU’s entire commercial portfolio, spanning sponsorship, broadcast and digital rights, fan engagement, communications, and the commercial optimisation of Principality Stadium.
He will also oversee two recent senior hires, Director of Marketing and Communications David Ayres and Commercial Director Dan Gaunt, as the Union looks to capitalise on renewed financial stability.
The WRU has reported increased turnover and a 32% rise in trading profits, which Tierney says provides a platform for new investment and innovation.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: ”Tomos brings world-class expertise and a deep understanding of both global media and Welsh culture.
“His experience in forging strategic partnerships and driving digital innovation will help us unlock new opportunities for growth across rugby and beyond.
“As we continue to build a sustainable future for the game, his appointment reflects our ambitions to position Welsh rugby at the forefront of commercial and technological advancement.
“Tomos is the ideal fit at the right time to take the helm of a new commercial team at the WRU which will drive our business and help us achieve our ambitions for the game in Wales.
“Finally, may I also pay tribute to Leighton Davies for his outstanding contribution to the business during his time at the Union. He has helped put Welsh rugby back on a sound financial footing and also helped build the significantly enhanced commercial team Tomos will now inherit.”
Tomos Grace said: “I’ve been lucky in my career to work at large organisations in different countries but the opportunity to come home to contribute to the revival of Welsh rugby makes this an irresistible challenge.
“Whether with the national teams or at Principality Stadium, huge commercial opportunities exist. These have one single, clear objective – investment in Welsh rugby.
“We’ll do this by innovating, by learning from global best practice and by working in partnership with our commercial and rugby stakeholders across Wales. I can’t wait to get started.”
Leighton Davies, who initially joined the WRU as Chief Financial Officer in March 2024 added: “It has been a privilege to serve Welsh rugby and to help build a solid financial foundation and a clear plan for record turnover in 2026 and future growth beyond.
“Over the past two years we have delivered a major turnaround, secured landmark partnerships such as the new multi-million-pound food and beverage partnership agreement with Aramark which will deliver significant additional investment into Welsh rugby. We have also built a strong commercial team and with those foundations in place, it’s the right time to pass on the baton for my role on the WRU Executive team. “
“I wish Tomos and the WRU well and will continue to be a passionate advocate for Welsh rugby.”
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