WRU could raid Premiership Rugby for performance executive

could be set for a raid on English with supremo Phil Winstanley emerging as a serious contender to become the WRU’s new performance director.

The position has been vacant since former Wales captain Ryan Jones resigned last October.

TRP understands Winstanley is on a three-man shortlist for the role.

The former prop is a qualified legal executive and currently sits on the Professional Game Board which is responsible for managing rugby at the highest level in .

He also sits on the PGB’s match officials board and chairs the ‘s sub-committee and the ‘s anti-doping group.

Winstanley would fit the bill of what the WRU is looking for to replace Jones – who has since joined Sport Wales – but his appointment isn’t certain with two other strong candidates in contention.

The WRU’s performance director sits on the Welsh Professional Rugby Board and works with Wales head coach on the way forward for pro rugby in the country.

By STEFFAN THOMAS