But with nominations for the annual election for the position due to close on Monday August 6th, Mr Griffiths has decided not to stand again for personal reasons.

In a letter to the WRU Clubs, Regions and Associate Members he explains his reasons:

"It has been a huge honour to once again serve the WRU after 20 years as Honorary Treasurer and Chairman. However, while it is hugely appealing to stand for a further term I do have to take into account other important considerations, which involve my family and particularly my wife, Mair," said Mr Griffiths.

"She has been struggling with her health for some time recently and I feel it is important that I now devote even more of my time to her welfare. She has stood by me throughout my 20 years of service to the WRU. Now it is my turn to stand by her when she needs me most.

"All this means that I will not now be putting my name forward for re-election, despite once again receiving considerable encouragement and support to do so. I understand that there are other candidates, which include Dennis Gethin and JPR Williams, and I am sure the Clubs will once again choose an excellent new President.

"It has been a huge honour for both myself and my family to have been involved with the WRU since 1985. Welsh rugby will remain very dear to me and I shall continue to serve my home town club, Ogmore Vale, as their President.

"I have made many lifelong friends in Welsh rugby over the past two decades and I would like to thank them all for their support. As I prepare to hand over the highest chain of office within our great Union I would like to wish you all the best of luck in the future."

The WRU Clubs, Regions and Associate Members will now vote for a new President, who will take up his post after the AGM at the end of October. That meeting will be chaired by the outgoing President, Mr Griffiths.

Having become the Honorary Treasurer in 1985, Mr Griffiths went on to serve as Chairman of both the WRU and Millennium Stadium. He also sat on the IRB, Five Nations, Home Unions and ERC boards.

"Glanmor Griffiths is assured of an important place in the history of Welsh rugby. The Millennium Stadium itself is a lasting testament to his tireless work and determination in the best interests of rugby in Wales," said WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis.

"I fully understand his reasons for today's decision and we all wish him and his family all the very best for the future."

Mr Griffiths will head the WRU delegation at Twickenham on Saturday as the countdown to the Rugby World Cup gathers pace.

"I would like to wish Gareth Jenkins, Gareth Thomas and the rest of the Welsh team and management all the best as we get ready for the Rugby World Cup in September. England, Argentina and France will offer good opposition ahead of the tournament and I'm sure the Welsh nation will come out and support them to the hilt," added Mr Griffiths.