The Chief Executive of Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) and former Director of ERC and the Celtic League, former Chief Executive of the Scarlets and dual-code international player has made a major contribution to Welsh Rugby during a career that has spanned more than 40 years.
Recognised and respected as one of the game’s most influential figures during a huge period of change in professional rugby, Stuart Gallacher career included heading Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets for 13 years, overseeing the transition to professionalism, the shift to regional rugby across Wales and the move from Stradey Park. His tenure at the helm of the Scarlets included three Heineken Cup semi-finals for the Scarlets, a Celtic league title and an EDF Energy Cup final appearance.
His knowledge, extensive experience and connections on the world rugby stage have come from a career that has included commitments as chairman of Llanelli RFC, CEO of Llanelli RFC, a board member of ERC and Chairman of the ERC Rugby sub-committee for five years, a board member of Celtic Rugby, committee member of LV=Cup and WRU board member as well as leading the Regions as CEO of Regional Rugby Wales for five years from 2009.
Mr Gallacher, 68, expressed his thanks all those that he has worked with during his long career in Welsh and European Rugby and said he was now looking forward to spending more quality time with his family.
He said: “It was never going to be an easy for me to finally step away from being involved in the game particularly after the challenges of the past few years – it’s been my life. But it’s time now to take for a very capable and united group in the Welsh Regions to take things forward and I am pleased that we can look forward positively to a new and improved European competition.
“I’d hope that for the sake of everyone in Welsh Rugby that a positive and progressive new agreement will soon be reached with the WRU. The Regions have passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable rugby people supporting and working for them and our Welsh Regions continue to play a vital role in the future success of Welsh Rugby. Their place in our game should be respected and celebrated within a partnership that works and takes our whole game forward in Wales.”
“I have so many people to thank for their support over the years and I have had the pleasure of working with some great rugby colleagues whose values epitomize what is unique about rugby and have a real understanding and passion for our game and I am grateful to have had the opportunities to contribute alongside them.”
Regional Rugby Wales Chairman Nigel Short said: “We owe a big debt of gratitude to Stuart for his relentless support of Welsh Rugby and for his passionate commitment and loyalty to champion our regional game and ensure it continues to thrive. He has been a hugely influential figure in our game, a courageous man with straightforward, honest rugby values who has never shied away from making big decisions and to lead with strength and conviction.
“We all thank him wholeheartedly for all he has done and wish him a very happy and peaceful retirement with his family.”
Stuart Gallacher steps down with immediate effect. Scarlets CEO Mark Davies will continue in his role as Acting Chief Executive of Regional Rugby Wales in the interim before an announcement is made in due course about Mr Gallacher’s successor.
Leading figures in the four Welsh Regions have expressed their thanks to Stuart Gallacher for his contribution to Welsh Rugby and wished him well as he steps down from his role as CEO of RRW and announces his retirement from the game.
Martyn Hazell, Chairman of the Newport Gwent Dragons: “Stuart has had a big presence in Welsh rugby as well as further afield representing the Welsh game across the European landscape. On behalf of all here at Newport Gwent Dragons we would like to thank Stuart for his huge contribution to the Welsh game, especially in bridging the gap between the amateur and professional game.”
Peter Thomas, Chairman of the Cardiff Blues said: “He has been a rock in Welsh Rugby – a driving force for our interests and a trusted and respected friend and colleague for many years. I have great personal admiration for Stuart, he is held in very high regard throughout the game and has worked tirelessly over many years on the Welsh, Celtic and European rugby stages and it is right that we all fully applaud and celebrate his huge contribution and wish him a very happy retirement.”
CEO of the Ospreys, Andrew Hore said: “I first met Stu when he was CEO of Llanelli and it was clear to me back then that he installed a welcoming and strong set of great old school values into that organisation. Since then he has continued to gain my respect not only professionally but also, I'm pleased to say, as a mate.
“It's fair to say that most people will never really know how much he has contributed to Welsh rugby behind the scenes and what a positive influence he has been in the game. If you ask anyone in Northern Hemisphere rugby Stu's contribution and spirit in the way he conducted business, he is highly admired and that is a real credit to the man. I hope Stu enjoys his retirement and even though he's a Turk hes welcome at the Ospreys any time.”
Roger Blyth, Ospreys Chairman said: “Even though we have been adversaries on and off the field for many years, I have always totally respected his huge passion for both rugby in general and especially the Scarlets. His achievements on and off the field are well documented and although he is about to retire I am looking forward to catching up with him during the forthcoming season and for many seasons to come.”
Scarlets Director and former RRW chairman Huw Evans said: “Stuart has given so much to our game - a remarkable player, man, celebrated administrator and great and valued friend. He is respected, trusted and held in the highest esteem, throughout the rugby world and his contribution over such a significant period in Welsh Rugby will be difficult for anyone to match.
“He is one of Welsh rugby’s brave men – he fought like a lion for the Scarlets through the troubled years when the rugby world struggled to embrace ‘professionalism’ and for the Scarlets to stand alone to retain and protect its identity, heritage and tradition and again crucially, to secure the new stadium Parc y Scarlets. His courage and statesmanship remain key most components in Scarlets rugby history.
“Latterly the credibility, fairness and evenhandedness he has brought to the role of CEO of RRW, representing the Welsh Regions so skillfully and expertly, within the Celtic and European competitions, created a solid platform from which the future prospects of the Regions can be significantly improved.
“Stuart
Gallacher has spent a lifetime championing our national sport and we all wish
him very well in his retirement and to enjoy his time with his lovely family."
