NEWPORT Gwent Dragons chief executive Gareth Davies is relishing the chance to engage with grassroots clubs after being elected to the board of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Davies and former Wales prop Anthony Buchanan finished top in a ballot for the two national representative spots on the board – meaning an end to David Pickering's 11-year reign as chairman of the governing body. His replacement will now be chosen from the 18-strong board at next month's AGM.

Five candidates had gone for the two berths – Dragons boss Davies, Llanelli head of rugby Buchanan, Pickering, Dai Davies of Newtown and Cefneithin's Dennis Jones.

One of the spaces was available following the resignation of Welsh rugby legend Gerald Davies, who left after saying at June's EGM that the WRU was "not held in high regard".

His departure prompted former Wales and Lions fly-half Gareth Davies to stand for election, telling the clubs in a letter: "In putting my name forward, there is a clear motivation – the need for change", and he is excited about earning the right to represent them.

"The encouraging thing has been the number of clubs who have rung me over the last two weeks," said Davies, who will combine his new role with his Rodney Parade commitments.

"It's been good to have a proper rugby chat with people and listen to their concerns. I look forward to that continuing.

"This role is to represent the game as a whole and there are issues facing us all – it has been well documented that the professional game has had its difficulties and so have the grassroots.

"You never know how people will vote and I'd never really considered this role before but I look forward to a new challenge and getting started."

Pickering will continue in his role until next month and has offered his assistance to his fellow former Wales internationals after their successful elections.

"I want to be the first to publicly congratulation both Anthony and Gareth on winning the vote," said Pickering.

"I know both of them personally, they are great rugby men and I will be offering them all the help I can as they join the board of the Welsh Rugby Union."

He continued: "I could not have hoped to achieve any more, I'm hugely pleased with the great success Wales has had and I am delighted to have played my part in Welsh rugby history."