| They each secured the backing of at least two WRU clubs for their names to go forward to the full and final ballot. Nominations closed on Monday and ballot papers have now been sent out to all of the Union's clubs, regions and the associate members.
The candidates seeking election for the post are the former WRU Secretary Denis Gethin, and ex-international JPR Williams.
All votes must be received by the Union’s auditors no later than first post on Friday August 31st – and the name of the new President will be announced as soon as the votes are counted and confirmed by the external scrutineers. Whoever wins the nomination will take over from current president Glanmor Griffiths following the WRU’s next Annual General Meeting, expected to be held on Sunday October 28th.
The election will be a first past the post ballot in accordance with the Union's published voting procedures and the candidates will be invited to attend the count at the headquarters of the WRU auditors, Walter Hunter and Co, in Newport.
The candidates are now able to write to all the voting clubs, regions and associate members to canvass support.
Glanmor Griffiths, who was elected to the WRU presidency in May following the untimely death last November of the former Wales and British Lions player and rugby administrator Keith Rowlands, has decided not to seek re-election as president in order to devote more time to his wife, Mair, who is unwell.
The President is the senior figurehead of Welsh rugby and is empowered to attend all the major decision-making meetings within the Union's senior structure.
THE CANDIDATES
DENIS GETHIN
The 63-year-old former Secretary of the WRU (March, 1998-December, 2002) won two Blues at Cambridge University before playing with distinction for his home town club Neath and Cardiff. He joined the WRU after stepping down as chief executive of the former Taff Ely Borough Council (1982-1996). He is currently a member of the Broadcasting Council of Wales.
JPR WILLIAMS
The 58-year-old former London Welsh and Bridgend full back won a then record 55 caps for Wales and played in eight Tests for the British Lions as they won successive series' in New Zealand and South Africa in the seventies. Won three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns and led his country five times. A former Junior Wimbledon and Welsh Junior tennis champion, he is a retired orthopaedic surgeon. Awarded the MBE in 1977 for his services to rugby, he is President of Bridgend RFC and patron of Tondu RFC, a club with whom he played for 18 seasons.
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