NEWPORT city council's new corporate director is a keen sportsman with an impressive record in the field of local government.
Alasdair Bovaird takes the role vacated by Tracey Lee, now the authority's managing director, and will have responsibility for young people and performance.
With his career in local government spanning 20 years, he has extensive experience in areas such as partnership working, community engagement, organisational change and service improvement.
The council said this would prove invaluable as Newport entered a crucial time of change.
Cllr Matthew Evans, council leader, said: "We have a clear direction and know where we want our city to be in the next few years.
"Mr Bovaird has demonstrated both an appreciation of our vision and, most importantly, the skills and experience to help drive this authority forward."
He previously played front row for Hereford RFC's first team and is presently captain and chairman of Wendens Ambo RFC.
He will be relocating to the area from Essex.
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