Tierney will return to lead WRU in January

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed chief executive Abi Tierney will return to fully resume her leadership position in the new year.

Tierney has been undergoing medical treatment following a cancer diagnosis and began a phased return in November.

Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and the rest of the WRU's executive leadership team had stepped in on an interim basis but Tierney will be back in charge next month.

"This is a pivotal time for the game in Wales and, whilst I've been constantly kept informed and am across all developments, I'm looking forward to being able to contribute directly again," said Tierney.

"My treatment is going well and I've received a positive prognosis which allows me to return in the new year.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has wished me well over my time away and sent positive messages of support."

Tierney will return on a full-time basis at a time where Welsh rugby finds itself in yet more crisis.

Steve Tandy's men's national side have just suffered a record 73-0 home defeat against South Africa, while Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have been linked with a move from Ospreys to Gloucester.

The WRU announced in October that it planned to reduce the number of professional men's sides in Wales from four to three.

Welsh rugby's governing body confirmed it proposes to grant three licences for men's clubs.

There will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west, which is expected to result in a straight survival fight between Ospreys and Scarlets in Llanelli.

Another option that has now emerged is Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, taking over WRU-owned Cardiff, which could produce the desired number of three professional sides.

"Of course, there are significant and major challenges presented to Welsh rugby at this time," said Tierney, "but there is also a huge opportunity for us to forge a way ahead in our professional game which will safeguard its future.

"There is a lot more hard work ahead, but our strength in Welsh rugby is in our ability to unite and work together towards one collective aim.

"I am looking forward to contributing to this again."

Collier-Keywood added: "I know I speak on behalf of the whole game in Wales when I welcome Abi back into her role.

"We are making progress in our transformation programme for the professional game in Wales, but Abi's return will add new and positive impetus at this pivotal time."