The former Wales captain who won 23 international caps, was returned unopposed to the role he has held since 2002.

The board also unanimously re-elected the District A representative, Ken Hewitt, as vice chairman for the next twelve months.

Pickering said: "It is a great honour to be elected to this role and I will endeavour to serve Welsh rugby to the very best of my ability.

"I want to thank everyone involved in the game for the help and support I receive, particularly my colleagues on the board and in the union.

"I am particularly grateful to my vice chair, Ken Hewitt and the WRU President, Dennis Gethin for the help and wise counsel they give me.

"As Chairman I am proud to have been in office as the WRU debt has reduced by some £40m and the national team has delivered two Grand Slam victories for us all to celebrate."

Pickering is now one of the most respected administrators in world rugby as he also chairs the RBS Six Nations committee. He also sits on the executive of the IRB.

He joined the IRB Council in 2000 and was first elected as a national representative of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1998.