Okland takes full-time role as Wales' PRB chairwoman

Marianne Okland has been confirmed as the full-time chairwoman of Welsh rugby's Professional Rugby Board (PRB).

Okland first joined the PRB as an independent non-executive member alongside Amanda Blanc in 2020.

She took the chairwoman role on an interim basis when Malcolm Wall's tenure ended in March.

The board was formed in 2019 to oversee the professional game on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Wales' four regional clubs and the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA).

It is at the centre of discussions over the WRU's controversial plans to cut the number of professional clubs from four to three.

"We have a challenging time ahead of us and it was important to me that every individual member of the PRB supported my continued leadership.

"I firmly believe that we in Welsh rugby are stronger when we are able to work together despite our differences."

Former Scarlets Director Bleddyn Phillips has also been appointed to the PRB as its second independent non-executive director alongside Okland.