NEWPORT Gwent Dragons chief executive Gareth Davies has stressed his bid for a spot on the board of the Welsh Rugby Union is not a land grab by the regions.

The former Wales and Lions fly-half has put himself forward for a role as national representative along with WRU chairman David Pickering, Llanelli stalwart Anthony Buchanan, Cefneithin's Dennis Jones and Newtown's Dai Davies.

Davies has been at the Rodney Parade helm since last summer and will continue in that role if he wins one of two spots on the governing body's 18-strong executive board.

However, in a letter to clubs he writes that he is seeking election "as a Welsh rugby supporter; distinct from my links with regional rugby and independently from Regional Rugby Wales".

The 58-year-old states that his former teammate Gerald Davies' decision to step down from the role prompted his bid for election.

"In putting my name forward, there is a clear motivation – the need for change," he writes.

"We have to ensure that we focus on our strengths and rebuild our reputation as a united rugby nation at all levels within the game.

"We have to care for the wellbeing of the game, to protect and nurture its future – again at all levels – this is the most important driver now.

"We also have stakeholder groups of investors, sponsors, supporters and communities across Wales who are very concerned with the current state of the game."

Davies highlights his previous role as chairman of the Sports Council for Wales, a job that he believes showed him the necessity of helping the community game thrive in order for the national team to succeed.

"I am keen to really hear and listen to what the grassroots of the game is saying, to better understand what the challenges are, and to use my experience and knowledge to make a difference," he continues.

"We need proper consultation, more listening within the governing body and stronger partnerships throughout the game."

Voting closes on Friday, September 12 and the elected pair will take up their positions at the governing body's AGM in October.

The position of chairman is appointed annually at the first board meeting following the AGM. They must be a member of the board.