Little-known John Manders has defeated former Wales internationals Nigel Davies and Ieuan Evans to be elected to the Welsh Rugby Union national council.
Manders will serve until the end of the WRU's annual general meeting in 2021, replacing former Wales centre Mark Taylor.
"We are delighted to welcome John to the team," said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.
“The National Council Member role is an important position within the WRU’s governance structure and I know John will be committed to making a difference to Welsh rugby.
“As a National Council Member, he will also be in a position to be elected to the WRU Board as Directors’ terms are completed.
“He has beaten two very tough and high profile candidates to the role and Welsh rugby can be extremely proud of the calibre of individual we are able to attract for these important governance positions.
“I would like to personally thank both Ieuan and Nigel for their candidacies and all three for the enthusiasm and professionalism with which they approached their campaigns.
“In John we have acquired someone with an incredibly strong community rugby background who, I’m sure, will bring absolute dedication to the role.”
Manders was capped by Wales at youth level before touring South Africa in 1980, while he also played for Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd before injury impacted his career at the age of 25.
A former sergeant with South Wales Police, he has been involved with Welsh capital club Old Illtydians for the last 30 years -
first as a player and now their current chairman and team manager.
He went up against two of the biggest names in Welsh rugby in Evans and Davies, both of who enjoyed illustrious careers.
And Manders, who believed he offered a genuine grassroots voice unlike his rivals, has been declared the winner.
"I am extremely proud to be appointed and it’s a huge privilege to be able to work for Welsh rugby at this level,” said Manders.
“I have had a tremendous amount of support from clubs around Wales and I would like to assure everyone that I will be working my hardest to repay the faith that has been shown in me.
“It was a great contest and I’d like to thank everyone who has given me a platform to speak and also the two other candidates in the race who have helped raise the profile of this important position.
“For me the hard work starts here, I am hugely privileged to be in this position and I am determined to make the most of it on behalf of the club game around the country.”
