Their number one task at the moment is to find a replacement for Gareth Jenkins who was sacked as Wales head coach after their embarrassing World Cup exit at the group stage.

But far from licking their wounds after a largely humiliating year for the national team, group chief executive Roger Lewis insists the WRU is in good shape.

After Sunday's annual general meeting, he said: "We can reflect on a difficult year for Welsh rugby with a great deal of quiet satisfaction because we've built a solid foundation on which we can build as we go forward.

"We've put in place financial structures and plans that will drive that growth."

Chairman David Pickering was also in positive mood during the meeting, adding: "Now is the time for us all to pull together for the benefit of Welsh rugby - we have a great opportunity to bounce back."

Meanwhile, the WRU have pledged to make sure rugby remains "at the heart of communities" in the country.
Lewis told the gathering of club representatives at the Welsh rugby squad's headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan: "We must ensure rugby remains at the heart of our communities.

"And as a union we will continue to strive towards the goal of placing Wales at the forefront of world rugby."

Lewis told the member clubs it had been a tough year for Welsh rugby but the WRU remained confident about the financial strategy and structures which had allowed them to reinvest £14.9million into the game this year.

Pickering pinpointed the forthcoming Prince William Cup clash between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 24 as an example of the ambition now alive in Welsh rugby.

He added: "To be the best, we've got to play the best.
"This match will give our public the chance to watch a magnificent game at the highest level."