The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed a sports executive search firm to assist with recruitment of its new group chief executive.
The role becomes vacant from October 31 when current chief executive Roger Lewis steps down following a nine-year tenure.
And the WRU has announced the appointment of Sports Recruitment International, a company with offices in London, Switzerland, Singapore, China and Australia, to identify potential candidates.
WRU chairman Gareth Davies said: " We are delighted to have been able to appoint a firm with the expertise and stature which SRI has in the sporting executive market-place.
"We have already carried out extensive preparatory work on this project, and SRI is perfectly placed to interpret our needs and identify the best candidates for the job.
"The clear priority is to recruit the very best person to take Welsh rugby forward as we manage the inevitable challenges and take advantage of all the opportunities which lie ahead."
The WRU said that SRI has prepared a candidate brief in association with senior WRU figures to identify suitable individuals.
SRI chairman Mike Squires added: " Welsh rugby is well-positioned to take full advantage of the growth opportunities arising from the approaching World Cup and beyond.
"We look forward to working closely with Gareth Davies and his board on this critical appointment, utilising our network of international offices to conduct a truly global search."
Source: PA
