THE Welsh Rugby Union will change their executive board structure when replacing head of rugby Josh Lewsey in the New Year.

The 2003 World Cup winner's role will be divided into two new executive positions with a 'head of rugby performance' and a 'head of rugby participation' to be appointed early in 2016.

The move follows a full strategic review, undertaken by chief executive Martyn Phillips during his first two months at the helm of the governing body for the national game in Wales and signed off by the WRU Board earlier this month.

The new WRU head of rugby performance will focus on the professional and semi-professional game in Wales, developing the high performance strategy and ensuring a close working relationship between national team management, regional and Principality Premiership coaches.

They will also lead the development of bespoke programmes for players identified as future national talent.

The role will also have responsibility for ensuring that Wales performs to its potential in international pathway competitions including women's, sevens and national age grade and will ensure a clear purpose and ambition for Principality Premiership rugby in Wales.

The new WRU head of rugby participation will provide a voice for the community game on the WRU's executive board, driving participation levels in the amateur game with a renewed focus on mini, schools, youth, women's and 2nd team club rugby.

Key responsibilities will also include ensuring a clear purpose and ambition for the national leagues up to SSE SWALEC Championship level, increasing participation of all rugby formats, both traditional and alternative and providing a focal point for referees, coaches and volunteers, driving personal development and improvement in these key roles.

"Critical to the long term health of rugby will be our ability to listen to and work with a passionate club base in Wales," said Phillips.

"We need to take the passion which has historically made us great as a rugby nation and combine it with a modern perspective to find a formula that works for our communities.

"We want and need to give our supporters a compelling reason to reconnect with the club game and ?fill the grounds up again.

"We have a responsibility to leave a strong legacy for future generations of supporters, players and volunteers."

The WRU has previously announced another change to the executive board, with the introduction of a new head of digital role to focus on building our own digital content and its distribution through social media channels.