London Welsh RFC have appointed Tony Copsey as their new CEO.

The former Wales international will start his new role at the Aviva Premiership club on New Year's Day.

"We are delighted that Tony is joining us as our CEO," said club chairman Bleddyn Phillips.

"Not only does he have an excellent skill set for the job and extensive experience managing top clubs in the Premiership, but he has played the game at the highest levels and indeed [not too many years ago] packed down with the club's head coach, Lyn Jones, whilst they both played at Llanelli.

"We look forward to Tony coming on board and helping the club in its off the field challenges as effectively as the team players and coaching squad have thus far tackled the tests on the pitch."

Copsey expressed his enthusiasm at joining the Oxford-based rugby union club.

"As many people know, London Welsh has a wonderful rugby history and heritage," he said. "There is no doubt that London Welsh is currently on a very exciting journey which also means they face probably one of the biggest challenges currently in the sport.

"It is a real privilege and extremely exciting to be asked to help lead that challenge. I am very much looking forward to working with my old teammate Lyn Jones, the chairman Bleddyn Phillips together with John Taylor, Steve Lewis and all the players and staff."

Copsey was the managing director at Harlequins for seven years between 2000 and 2007 before becoming the CEO at London Wasps, where he worked for two and half years.