Buttress will remain on the board as a non-executive director having played a key role in taking the club into private ownership in August 2023. He is also involved in the ownership team at the region.
Recently appointed as Chief Executive Officer of leading Energy business, Ovo, Buttress has decided now is the right time for the club to go forward under new Chairmanship.
“It has been a great privilege to be Chairman over the last seven seasons, but taking into consideration my other new commitments, this is the right time for us to make this decision,” said Buttress.
“I would stress to our supporters, players, and staff that my commitment and passion for rugby in Gwent and Dragons RFC remains as steadfast as ever and I will continue to be a passionate owner.
“It has been an enormously challenging, but also a rewarding role and I have loved nearly every minute of it. I will continue, as owner and board member, to push our club forward, build on what we have achieved in securing the club and Rodney Parade’s future, and map out a bright future alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches, and supporters.
“My congratulations go to David Wright. I can think of no better person to lead us as our new Chairman.”
A former Wales Schools international, Wright was born and raised in Machen and enjoyed a successful senior rugby career playing at first class level for Newbridge, Cardiff, Pontypool, Leicester and Nottingham.
Rge former CEO and shareholder of Paris-based HRA Pharma, recognised globally as a brand leader in over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, Wright is now a non -executive board member of various companies.
“It’s a huge personal honour for me to take on the role and my thanks go to David for his unwavering commitment throughout his time as chairman and the huge impact he has made on our club,” said Wright.
“We are working tirelessly to make sure that the Dragons are successful, on and off field, and I’m confident that we will continue to drive change to set the club up to compete in the long-term.”
In another change at the top at Dragons RFC, interim CEO Graeme Bradbury will be stepping down at the end of the season. His successor will be announced in due course.
“Graeme was integral in bringing the current ownership group together and diligently worked alongside myself to ensure that we could achieve the goal of taking Dragons RFC back into private hands from WRU ownership,” said Buttress.
“Once the takeover was complete, Graeme was asked by the ownership group to steer Dragons RFC through to the end of the season, giving us the time to thoroughly assess the changes needed to make Dragons RFC a successful business.
“I would like to put on record my thanks to Graeme for his unstinting hard work, leadership and friendship over the last number of years, and wish him well for the future.”
