Økland confirmed as PRB chair; Cardiff lock Nott retires

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 3 Nov, 12:26 · Archive

Marianne Økland has been appointed permanent chair of Welsh rugby's Professional Rugby Board, while Cardiff lock George Nott is retiring at year-end.

Marianne Økland has been appointed permanent chair of the Professional Rugby Board, taking on the role on a permanent basis after serving as interim chair since Malcolm Wall's tenure ended in March. She will begin a three-year term and has the full backing of all PRB board members. The board also announced the appointment of Bleddyn Phillips as its second independent non-executive director. Phillips previously chaired London Welsh when they competed in the top tier of English rugby and served as a director of the Scarlets. He has extensive governance experience including chairing Swansea University's Council from 2019 to 2023 and holds a background as an international lawyer.

In separate news, Cardiff lock George Nott, 30, will retire from professional rugby at the end of December to take up a new career in medical sales. Nott, who came through Sale Sharks' academy and made 41 appearances for the English club before moving to Dragons and then Cardiff, joined the Blue and Blacks from Dragons ahead of the 2025-26 season and has made 19 appearances. He will remain available for selection throughout December.

Nott said the decision had been difficult but expressed gratitude to Cardiff for welcoming him, describing it as 'an incredible end to my career'. Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl, who worked closely with Nott at London Irish, said he was 'a top man, a top professional and a very good rugby player' and that Nott leaves 'with our full blessing'. Van Zyl indicated the club would look to strengthen in the position after Nott's departure.

How it is being reported

• Cardiff lock Nott to retire at the end of 2026Cardiff lock George Nott will retire at the end of the year to take up a new job outside of rugby.BBC Wales · 3 Nov, 11:42
• Welsh rugby player to retire next month for new career as announcement madeCardiff second-row George Nott will retire from professional rugby in December in order to move into medical salesWalesOnline · 3 Nov, 11:30
• Two major Welsh rugby appointments announced ahead of summit to decide futureThe announcement comes weeks before December's summit to decide the future of the professional gameWalesOnline · 2 Nov, 14:00

In this story: Marianne Økland · Bleddyn Phillips · George Nott · Professional Rugby Board · Cardiff · Corniel van Zyl

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log