The Wales Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed that chief executive Abi Tierney will return to his full leadership role in the new year.
Tierney has been undergoing treatment following his cancer diagnosis and began a staged return in November.
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Chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and other members of the WRU executive leadership team have stepped in on an interim basis, but Tierney will return to charge next month.
“This is a crucial moment in the Wales game and whilst I’m constantly keeping abreast of the situation and all developments, I’m looking forward to being able to contribute directly again,” Tierney said.
“My treatment is going well and I have a positive prognosis which will allow me to return in the new year.
“I would like to thank everyone who has wished me well and sent positive messages of support during my absence.”
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Return to Welsh rugby crisis
Tierney is set to return on a full-time basis amid further crisis for Welsh rugby.
Steve Tandy’s men’s national team are fresh from a record 73-0 home defeat to South Africa, while Wales captain Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have been linked with a move to Gloucester from Ospreys.
The WRU announced in October plans to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales from four to three.
Welsh rugby’s governing body has confirmed it intends to issue three licenses to men’s clubs.
There will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west, which is expected to lead to a straight battle for survival between the Ospreys and Scales in Llanelli.
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Another option now emerging is for Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media to take over WRU-owned Cardiff City, which could create the required number of three professional teams.
Tierney said: “Welsh rugby, of course, faces significant challenges at the moment, but we also have huge opportunities to carve forward the professional game and secure its future.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead but the strength of our Welsh rugby is our ability to come together and work together to achieve a collective goal.
“I look forward to contributing to this again.”
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Collier-Keewood will resume his duties as chairman.
“I know I speak for the whole game in Wales when I welcome Abi back into her role,” Collier-Keewood said.
“Our plans to transform the professional game in Wales are making progress, but Abby’s return will add a new positive dynamic at this crucial time.”