Former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby union player Ken Owens will be part of the Football Association of Wales’ new strategic advisory committee.
Owens, 39, enjoyed an illustrious playing career in which he captained his country, earned 91 caps and won four Six Nations titles.
Since retiring in 2024, the five-Test Lion has served on the board of Netball Super League side Cardiff Dragons as a non-executive director.
The FAW says its new committee will “strengthen the association’s long-term strategic planning, decision-making and delivery across all areas of the game”.
The committee is also comprised of:
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Rhian Thomas, who the FAW describes as “an experienced non-executive director with significant board-level expertise across highly regulated sectors”.
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James Gow, who spent 13 years at Liverpool before a stint as sporting director at Danish club Aalborg.
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Shavanah Taj, general secretary of TUC Cymru (the Wales Trades Union Congress).
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Steve Dalton, a chartered director and former chair of the FAW Board.
The committee will be chaired by FAW president Mike Jones, who will be joined by deputy president Will Lloyd Williams and vice-presidents Gail Powell, Mark Adams and Graham Evans.
It will also feature three previous presidents in Peter Rees, David Griffiths and Kieran O’Connor, as well as life councillors Ron Bridges, Ken Hughes, David Alun Jones, Philip Jones, Ken Tucker, Bob Waygood and Chris Whitley.
In a statement, the FAW said: “Operating in an advisory capacity, the strategic advisory committee works alongside FAW leadership to provide informed insight, constructive challenge and strategic support, ensuring the organisation remains focused on sustainable growth, high performance and long-term impact.
“A core part of its role is to offer appropriate and constructive challenge, helping to test, strengthen and refine strategic plans.
“Members work collaboratively with FAW staff, fellow committee members and key stakeholders to support the effective delivery of FAW strategies.
“The committee also supports the monitoring and evaluation of strategic objectives, helping to ensure progress remains aligned with the FAW’s ambitions and delivers meaningful impact for football in Wales.”
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “The [committee] brings together an outstanding group of individuals with deep expertise across football, governance, business and public life.
“Their independent insight and constructive challenge will be invaluable as we continue to deliver our long-term strategy and ensure the FAW is well positioned to support the game at every level across Wales.”
