COLLIER-KEYWOOD QUITS: Rugby Union chair says he’ll leave in July

Richard Collier-Keywood has confirmed he will stand down as independent chair of the Welsh Rugby Union in July 2026, bringing to an end a three-year tenure that has reshaped – and shaken – the game in Wales.

His departure follows months of controversy, including plans to cut one of Wales’ four professional regions – a move that triggered a full-blown crisis involving the Ospreys.

That plan, described as a crossroads crunch moment for Welsh rugby, warned of “unavoidable disruption” as the WRU looked to slash costs and restructure the professional game.

The fallout was immediate.

A seismic showdown followed, with clubs forcing a crunch vote at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) – widely seen as a battle for survival for parts of the Welsh rugby pyramid.

At the same time, tensions escalated locally, with Swansea’s council leader even calling for Collier-Keywood to resign amid claims of a “duplicitous plot” over the future of the Ospreys.

Our reporting also revealed “smoking gun” minutes that appeared to show key decisions had already been mapped out behind closed doors – fuelling anger among fans and stakeholders.

The crisis deepened further when the WRU’s handling of the situation was branded a potential “dereliction of duty” by a Senedd committee, piling political pressure onto the governing body.

Collier-Keywood’s tenure also coincided with the controversial sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 – a move that sent shockwaves through the regional system and added to uncertainty across Welsh rugby.

As the situation spiralled, senior figures exited the organisation, including the professional rugby boss quitting just days before a crunch vote, while an interim chair had to be parachuted in following another shock resignation.

Despite the turmoil, Collier-Keywood said stepping down was always part of the plan.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first independent WRU chair,” he said.

“My term as Chair comes to an end in July 2026 and I have been reflecting with the Board on what should happen next.”

He said the early announcement would allow a replacement to be found and ensure transparency ahead of the next EGM.

“We wanted to make this announcement to enable the recruitment process to start… so everyone goes into the EGM process with the benefit of the same knowledge.”

Appointed in 2023 after 97% of clubs backed sweeping governance reform, Collier-Keywood was brought in to modernise the WRU and fix deep-rooted issues.

And the WRU board insists progress has been made.

Senior Independent Director Alison Thorne said: “He inherited a very difficult financial position and an organisation with cultural problems.

“He has led from the front in terms of culture change and significantly improved our financial position.”

She pointed to a refinancing deal earlier this year as a key step towards stabilising Welsh rugby’s finances.

Collier-Keywood also struck a hopeful tone about what comes next.

“I am pleased to leave with two Welsh head coaches in place… and I am looking forward to watching from the terraces as our teams go from strength to strength,” he said.

But for many fans across Swansea and west Wales, the legacy of his time in charge will be defined by the battle over the future of the regions.

With the Ospreys’ future thrown into doubt and trust in the game’s leadership tested, the next WRU chair will inherit one of the most challenging jobs in Welsh sport.

One era is ending – but the fight over the future of Welsh rugby is far from over.

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‘BE STRAIGHT WITH FANS’: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks over Ospreys future

The row over the future of Welsh rugby has intensified after Swansea West MP Torsten Bell held crisis talks with bosses from the Welsh Rugby Union amid growing anger among supporters.

The meeting took place in Swansea on Friday, just hours after new evidence emerged suggesting the WRU expected plans involving the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to the Ospreys’ owners Y11 Sports & Media would ultimately bring about the end of the Ospreys as a professional team.

Bell criticised the WRU leadership for what he described as misleading fans about the consequences of the controversial deal.

The dispute centres on the future structure of the professional game in Wales, with the governing body exploring changes that could reduce the number of men’s professional clubs.

Earlier this week, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said that the potential purchase of Cardiff Rugby by Y11 did not automatically mean the end of the Ospreys.

However, notes from a January meeting with Swansea Council, recently published by the authority, suggested the governing body expected the deal to leave no future for the Ospreys as a professional region.

The publication of those minutes has sparked a political and sporting storm across Wales.

Bell said he had challenged WRU officials directly during the meeting.

He also warned the governing body not to repeat claims that the Cardiff takeover would not pre-empt the legally required open competition for future professional club licences.

The MP further questioned the WRU’s insistence that its plans had been shaped by widespread consultation with supporters.

Supporters’ groups linked to three of Wales’ four professional teams have already launched a petition opposing the proposals, while critics say the governing body has moved rapidly towards structural change despite backing a four-team model less than a year ago.

With an Extraordinary General Meeting of WRU members approaching, Bell urged rugby chiefs to rethink their approach.

“Today I met the WRU’s leadership. I urged them to do two things: reset their plans and be straight with fans,” he said.

“You can’t say in public that no decision has been made about the Ospreys’ future, when the truth is their plans would see the club disappear in 2027.

“Almost nobody supports what they’re doing, and absolutely no-one supports how they are doing it.”

Swansea Bay News previously revealed “smoking gun” minutes from a meeting between the WRU and Swansea Council which suggested the future of the Ospreys could be at risk.

The escalating confrontation between politicians, supporters and rugby authorities has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and the wider structure of professional rugby in Wales.

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SEISMIC SHOWDOWN: 51 Welsh rugby clubs move to AXE WRU chairman as crisis deepens

Leaked documents have revealed the scale of the growing rebellion, with nearly a fifth of all member clubs now demanding an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to “save the soul” of the national game.

The move, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, targets WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board boss Malcolm Wall in a bid to halt controversial plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

It follows weeks of mounting pressure from clubs and intense political criticism over the WRU’s “stitch-up” of the professional game in the west.

Clubs from across our core coverage areas of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire have dominated the list of rebels, with 23 teams from the Ospreys’ heartland leading the charge.

Local giants such as Bonymaen, Morriston, Swansea, and Gowerton have all put their names to the move, alongside Neath Athletic, Taibach, Baglan, and Aberavon Green Stars.

The revolt has also spread deep into Carmarthenshire, with clubs like Llandybie, Llanybydder, and Laugharne joining the fight as the seismic showdown over the union’s leadership reaches boiling point.

The rebels have put forward three key motions for the EGM, including a vote of no confidence in the leadership and a demand for fresh elections for the four elected WRU council member board positions.

It comes as Swansea Council seeks an urgent High Court injunction to stop the WRU’s deal with Y11 Sports & Media, which many fear would signal the end of the Ospreys as a professional outfit.

In a scathing letter sent to the governing body, the rebels accused the WRU executive board of causing “reputational damage” to the sport through “extortionate” spending on outside consultants.

“If people are paid to do a job and have to use consultants to guide them, then it begs the question if we have the right personnel in those roles,” the letter blasted.

The rebellion has also taken a personal turn, with claims that a “small minority” of the WRU leadership have been “disrespectful” and shared “misinformation” at local meetings.

The clubs are also demanding that any future WRU chair be “immersed in Welsh culture,” have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby values, and ideally be a Welsh speaker living in Wales.

Despite the growing pressure, the WRU boss has insisted the Ospreys are “not doomed yet”, even as the battle for the West Wales rugby licence looms.

For the EGM to go ahead and be valid, at least 94 clubs—one third of the total membership—must be present for the showdown.

Council Leader accuses WRU of ‘moving the goalposts’ over Ospreys’ future

Swansea Council has accused the Welsh Rugby Union of “moving the goalposts” over its plans to overhaul the men’s professional game, following a Senedd committee hearing today.

WRU board members were questioned by the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee about the Union’s restructuring proposals, which could see the number of professional teams in Wales cut from four to three.

During the session, the WRU claimed the Ospreys would be eligible to bid for a new West Wales franchise. However, Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said this latest position directly contradicts what council officials were told in a private meeting with the WRU and Ospreys on 22 January.

“At that meeting, it was made absolutely clear that the Ospreys would cease to exist as a professional regional team after the 2026/27 season,” Cllr Stewart said in a statement. “Yet today, the WRU told the Senedd committee that the Ospreys could bid for the West franchise.

“The WRU’s story keeps changing, and this latest version is completely at odds with what was discussed with us previously.”

The row adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing uncertainty in Welsh rugby, which includes the potential sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11, the owners of the Ospreys.

Cllr Stewart questioned the credibility of the governing body, asking: “How can the rugby public of Wales have confidence in the WRU when the goalposts seem to shift every time the organisation comes under scrutiny?”

He concluded: “We will continue to stand up for the Ospreys and for rugby supporters across Wales. The facts must be published, and any process determining the future of our regional teams must be fair, transparent, and consistent. Our position remains unchanged and despite the WRU saying different things each time they are asked, we are confident our position will be vindicated when all the facts are known.”

Ospreys not doomed yet, says WRU boss as battle for West Wales rugby licence looms

Facing a grilling from the Senedd’s Culture, Communications and Welsh Language Committee, Richard Collier-Keywood said the assumption that the Ospreys would be sacrificed was “not necessarily correct.” His comments come after a deal was struck for the new owners of Cardiff Rugby, Y11 Sports and Media, to potentially own two clubs, sparking fears that the Swansea-based Ospreys would be the casualty in the WRU‘s move from four professional teams to three.

Mr Collier-Keywood confirmed that while Cardiff has been guaranteed the ‘Capital’ licence, the process for awarding the ‘East’ and ‘West’ licences has not yet been decided. This leaves the Ospreys and their West Wales rivals, the Scarlets, to fight it out for the single remaining licence in the west.

“There is one west licence,” Mr Collier-Keywood told the committee. “Going forward I expect that we will carry out a fair and transparent process to determine who gets that licence. We have not done that yet.”

He added that the process would be governed by competition law and could include conditions on where rugby is played, suggesting the winning team might have to play matches across the entire region, not just at their home ground.

Financial justification for cuts

The WRU leadership defended the controversial decision to cut a professional side, arguing that the current model is financially unsustainable.

“The fact remains is we have four teams who do not have enough money to be competitive,” Mr Collier-Keywood stated. “We do not have enough money to fund four teams and fund the necessary rugby infrastructure within Wales to take the participation all the way through to elite pro rugby.”

Board member Alison Thorne added that it was a matter of prioritisation, explaining that funding four teams would mean no money for a national academy, people development, or coach development. “Armed with all the info from finance and rugby perspective your pathways need fixing. That was the overriding message which came from the consultation,” she said.

Trust and transparency questioned

The WRU chair, who is facing a looming EGM that could see him ousted, also faced questions about a breakdown in trust with the regions and a lack of transparency. He revealed that the WRU had been “asked not to turn up” to a recent district meeting in Swansea, a clear sign of the anger in the region over the handling of the situation.

This follows vocal criticism from Swansea leaders, including Swansea West MP Torsten Bell and Council Leader Rob Stewart, who have previously slammed the WRU’s three-club plan as “not fit for purpose.”

Sponsorship concerns

The hearing also touched on the WRU’s commercial challenges. While a new deal has been signed with Principality to continue sponsoring the national stadium, Ms Thorne admitted that there “isn’t a huge demand to be sponsors” following a series of controversies, including issues with women’s contracts and a damning BBC documentary.

The WRU board made the decision to move to three professional teams at the end of October 2024 and are, according to the chairman, just “three months into this process.” However, with the union still committed to providing four teams to the United Rugby Championship (URC) and no compromise yet reached, the future of Welsh regional rugby remains deeply uncertain.

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Rugby clubs formally call WRU Emergency General Meeting as MPs and council leader back vote of no confidence in chair

The requisition notice was submitted to the WRU on Sunday morning, marking a dramatic escalation in the battle over plans to reduce the number of professional Welsh regions from four to three – a move that could see the Ospreys forced out of professional rugby.

The EGM, which will be held after the conclusion of the men’s Six Nations next month, is expected to centre on a motion of no confidence in Collier-Keywood, who was appointed chair in 2023. The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge and schedule the meeting.

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, said the EGM was “totally right” and urged all clubs to attend and vote for a change of leadership.

“The WRU are trying to shrink Welsh rugby and end professional rugby in Wales’s second city,” he said. “If this isn’t an emergency, I don’t know what is.”

Political pressure mounts

The move has won backing from across Swansea’s political establishment, with Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, saying grassroots clubs “are the foundation of Welsh rugby” and their voices “matter”.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart revealed the main business of the EGM will be the removal of the WRU chair via a vote of no confidence, and urged clubs to “stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby”.

Stewart, who hit out at the WRU with a “shame on you” message after thousands of seats lay empty for Wales’ defeat, said: “For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. The WRU have arrogantly continued, ignoring pleas to change course.”

Last week, Swansea Council moved to seek an injunction to prevent the WRU agreeing a deal with Y11 – the current Ospreys owners – to purchase Cardiff Rugby. The council has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to intervene.

Threshold met after Central Glamorgan letter

The EGM was triggered after the threshold of 10% of the WRU’s 283 community clubs putting in a request was met. This followed a letter from Central Glamorgan urging all clubs to express a desire in calling an EGM, amid widespread dismay over the WRU’s plans.

The move marks the latest sign of widespread anger towards the WRU, following their chaotic attempts to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales and to force the Ospreys out of the professional game without due process. Earlier this week, a business revolt saw former Principality COO mobilize an independent group to challenge WRU leadership.

It emerged that the WRU had lined up Y11 as the preferred bidders to purchase Cardiff Rugby, a move that would effectively end professional rugby in Swansea and consolidate ownership in the hands of the Ospreys’ current owners.

8,000 signatures and packed Brangwyn Hall

A joint petition from the Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons supporters’ clubs has garnered more than 8,000 signatures to date, and recently over 500 fans packed into Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall to stand up for the Ospreys.

Torsten Bell said:

“For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. But there are no signs they are listening. Grassroot clubs have now concluded that the only way to ensure the WRU changes course is to change the leadership. I agree.”

He added:

“I urge all clubs to attend the EGM, vote for a change of leadership and bring this chaos to an end.”

‘Transparency and clarity essential’

Carolyn Harris said the EGM “reflects the depth of feeling across our region about the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and professional regional rugby in Neath and Swansea”.

She added:

“Grassroots clubs are the foundation of Welsh rugby. Their voices matter, and it is right that they are heard. At a time like this, transparency, clarity and proper engagement are essential. Our players, supporters and communities deserve nothing less.”

Rob Stewart said:

“While an injunction will prevent a deal being signed, an EGM gives the clubs the chance to make real and immediate change in the leadership and direction of the WRU.”

He added:

“The clubs can stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby. They have my 100% support for this action.”

What happens next?

The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge the requisition notice and schedule the EGM. The meeting is expected to take place after the conclusion of the Six Nations, which ends on March 15.

The vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood is likely to have huge ramifications for the WRU’s proposals to cut the number of Welsh regions to three. If successful, it could force a complete rethink of the union’s strategy and potentially save professional rugby in Swansea.

The crisis has seen interventions from Ospreys legends, actor Michael Sheen, former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, and MPs who accused the WRU of a “stitch-up”.

The EGM will give member clubs across Wales the opportunity to debate and vote on motions to change the WRU’s leadership and direction.

Future of Ospreys under threat as club owner believed to be WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff

The WRU has confirmed it has chosen a preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby and entered an exclusivity period, but it has refused to name who that bidder is. Even so, multiple major media outlets report that Y11 is believed to be the group now in pole position.

If that proves correct, it hands the WRU a clear route to its long‑planned cut from four professional teams to three, leaving the Ospreys facing the most serious questions over their future since regional rugby began.

Cardiff were taken over by the WRU last year after falling into administration, with the union seeking new private owners. A rival bid led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan — backed by three US film and TV producers — was also in the running. But the WRU board has now unanimously agreed to move forward with one bidder and hopes to sign a binding deal “within weeks”.

WRU statement

“The WRU board met for its January meeting today and considered the recommendation from the Executive Leadership Team on the sale of Cardiff Rugby. The board reviewed in detail the final two bids and unanimously approved the proposal to move forward with a preferred bidder into an exclusivity period.

Following this decision, the WRU has obligations to liaise with a number of stakeholders over the next few days. We will then discuss the decision with the two bidders and the management of Cardiff Rugby and we expect to be in a position to have completed this by next week.

The WRU hopes to finalise the detailed negotiations with the preferred bidder and sign a binding agreement within a matter of weeks.”

The development has sparked anger and anxiety across Welsh rugby. Cardiff’s CF10 Supporters’ Trust has already said it would not welcome Y11 taking over their club, while Ospreys fans fear their region could be merged, relocated or wiped out entirely to make way for a new “super team”.

The uncertainty also throws the future of St Helen’s into doubt. The ground has been earmarked as the Ospreys’ new home, with Swansea Council backing a £4m redevelopment. But the council has been waiting for clarity on the WRU’s restructuring before releasing funds — clarity that now looks further away than ever.

The WRU’s proposed three‑licence model would see one team in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west. Until now, that raised the prospect of a straight fight between the Ospreys and Scarlets. But with Y11 widely reported to be the preferred bidder for Cardiff, the pressure has shifted sharply onto the Swansea‑based region.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier‑Keywood will face MPs in Westminster this week to answer questions on the future of Welsh rugby, with representatives from all four regions — including the Ospreys — also invited to give evidence.

For now, the WRU insists no final decision has been made. But with exclusive talks under way and the union committed to shrinking the professional game, the Ospreys are entering the most uncertain period in their history.

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WRU outlines next steps in elite rugby restructure amid backlash

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, Dave Reddin, said the transition will be collaborative, fair and focused on the long‑term strength of Welsh rugby.

Consultation marks “start of the next phase”

The WRU began consultation in August, engaging widely with clubs, players and stakeholders. Reddin said the announcement of the board’s decision was a milestone, but stressed that the detailed work now begins.

“We have already met with each of the four professional sides in a structured way and will be working through the detail with them all,” he explained. “We’ll look together at everything from financial stability and governance to player development, community connection, facilities and demographics.”

Difficult decisions ahead

Reddin acknowledged that deciding which three teams will continue in the new model will be challenging. “Every team carries its own heritage supported by a passionate community, and that deserves full respect,” he said. “But we have to balance this with the shared goal of building something sustainable, competitive and fit for future success on and off the field.”

The WRU will also continue discussions with the United Rugby Championship (URC) to ensure the new structure works for the competition, and will meet with the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) to keep players at the heart of planning.

Backlash across Wales

The proposals have sparked fierce opposition across South and West Wales, with community leaders, politicians and fans voicing anger at the potential loss of historic clubs. In Llanelli, councillors branded the WRU’s plan “a back of a fag packet proposal” and warned it would devastate the Scarlets’ future. The town’s mayor joined thousands of supporters in a “Save Our Scarlets” march, accusing the WRU of ignoring Llanelli’s rugby heritage.

In Swansea, civic leaders slammed the three‑club plan as “not fit for purpose,” warning it would undermine the Ospreys and damage the city’s rugby identity. Meanwhile, MPs have criticised the WRU, describing the move as a “U‑turn” and accusing the union of “bully boy tactics.” This backlash has highlighted the depth of feeling in communities where rugby is seen as central to local identity, and has raised questions about whether consensus can be reached.

No deadline set

WRU Chair Richard Collier‑Keywood has confirmed there is no fixed deadline for the process. “We’re not setting an arbitrary deadline,” Reddin said. “Everyone wants certainty, but rushing could risk getting it wrong. We are hopeful of reaching a consensus as quickly as possible. If that is not possible, we will move to an open, fair and transparent competitive tender for the three future licences – one in the capital, one in the East and one in the West of Wales.”

Commitment to clubs and players

Reddin stressed that Wales will continue to field four professional sides during the transition period. “Our commitment to the URC remains absolute. We also have commitments to the current agreements in place with the four professional clubs and to honouring the contracts of players,” he said.

£28m investment in Welsh rugby

Alongside the restructure, the WRU is preparing detailed plans for investment in five key areas: men’s player development, the women’s elite programme, a national talent insights and management scheme, coaching investment, and the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition. The WRU has pledged £28m over five years to support these pillars, which Reddin said will bring “hugely positive change to the game.”

The WRU say that more detail is set to be published in the coming weeks.

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Scarlets and Ospreys face fight for survival as WRU confirms three‑club model

One in the east, one in the capital, one in the west

The WRU Board has confirmed its new structure will see three professional men’s clubs: one in east Wales, one in Cardiff, and one in the west. That secures the Dragons’ future in Newport and guarantees a capital‑based side, but leaves the Scarlets and Ospreys in direct competition for the single West Wales licence.

Collier‑Keywood told reporters: “That’s not what we’re saying at all. There will only be one club in the west, but the clubs can apply. One of them may make a bid for Cardiff, or merge. We’d rather this be done by consent.”

‘Wales’ most successful region’ will continue to engage with WRU say Ospreys

The Ospreys, Wales’ most decorated region, issued a statement following meetings with the WRU:

“Ospreys Rugby met with Malcolm Wall and Dave Reddin from the WRU this morning, where they laid out their plans for Welsh rugby.

Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region, having won more league titles, produced players who’ve won more Welsh caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.

We will continue to engage with the WRU with the intention of reaching an agreement which continues that proud tradition. Our intention is and always has been to find a solution which works in the best interests of Welsh rugby and Ospreys Rugby, not only at an elite level but across the entirety of the game and the communities involved in it.”

Scarlets confident of future role in West Wales

The Scarlets Board of Directors said they are confident the club will continue to play a central role in the future of the game in West Wales from its home at Parc y Scarlets.

In a detailed statement, the board called on supporters and stakeholders to embrace the long‑term opportunity of Scarlets “championing the future of sustainable and successful pro rugby based in West Wales.”

The club highlighted its record of two league titles, 12 European quarter‑finals and five European semi‑finals, its role in producing 34% of Wales internationals over the last decade, and its deep cultural and economic impact — adding £17m annually to the local economy and engaging more than 40,000 young people each year through its community foundation.

Scarlets also stressed the unique facilities at Parc y Scarlets, describing it as a “ready‑made high‑performance and commercial hub” for the professional and community game.

The board concluded: “Rugby must stay connected to its communities, people and history and its values. That’s what gives our game its soul. We want reform that strengthens Welsh rugby. With Scarlets in the future structure, Welsh rugby keeps a proven talent pathway, an internationally respected brand and a first‑class home for rugby at Parc y Scarlets.”

Cardiff reassured, Dragons secure

Cardiff Rugby said it was “relieved and encouraged” after being assured one of the three licences will be in the capital. The Dragons are also seen as secure under the east allocation.

What happens next

The WRU has pledged to honour existing Professional Rugby Agreement contracts — with the Scarlets and Ospreys tied in until 2027, and Cardiff and Dragons until 2028. But Collier‑Keywood has made clear he wants the new model in place “as quickly as possible”.

For now, the Scarlets and Ospreys — the two clubs that have defined West Wales rugby for two decades — are locked in a battle for survival, whether through merger, relocation or the loss of one side altogether.

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