Cardiff Rugby appoints Jon Flatman as chief executive, starting in January

Jon Flatman selected to lead Cardiff Rugby

Cardiff Rugby appointed Jon Flatman as its new chief executive officer after a board-led competitive search launched in August. The 48-year-old is expected to take up the role in January and said he would work alongside managing director Jamie Muir, who will continue leading key business operations.

Cardiff Rugby said the search was intended to ensure the leadership structure at Cardiff Arms Park better reflected the club’s ambitions. Flatman’s appointment is announced, but his tenure will not begin until January.

Commercial and stadium priorities

Flatman identified returning the club to private, independent ownership and securing a long-term future for Cardiff Arms Park as his two major priorities. He also said he would continue developing the club’s player pathway and strengthen direct, accountable governance and communication.

He said his commercial mandate was to build a resilient off-field foundation that could support a competitive team. The announcement did not provide financial targets, a completion date for the ownership or stadium matters, or details of any proposed transaction.

Barnsley experience behind the appointment

Flatman is currently CEO of Barnsley FC. He joined the English football club as chief revenue officer in 2023, became interim chief executive and was appointed permanently in February 2024. Cardiff Rugby said he oversaw a record year for commercial sales and helped secure long-term lease and development agreements at Oakwell Stadium.

His governance experience includes service as an alternate English Football League board representative for League One clubs and as a member of the EFL commercial committee. Before and alongside his football work, he has held rugby-related roles: he consulted for the Rugby League World Cup and chaired York Rugby League Football Club, where he led the club’s sale.

Rugby roots and leadership continuity

Flatman has a longstanding connection to rugby union. He regularly attended Sale Sharks games at Heywood Road and played rugby through school and university.

At Cardiff Rugby, he will inherit a club preparing for a leadership transition while Jamie Muir remains managing director. The appointment was announced on October 20, 2026; the January start and the club’s two stated priorities remain future work rather than completed actions.