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Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney will make a phased return to work after previously stepping away from her role when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Tierney took time away from her duties in August to undergo treatment.

No definitive date has been given for when Tierney will return but WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood says it “will be a welcome moment for all of us”.

“Abi’s return brings strength and continuity at a time of change and we’re delighted to have her back with us,” said Collier-Keywood.

“I am sure all in Welsh rugby will be as thrilled with this news as I am, and know all will wish her a warm welcome back.

Collier-Keywood had taken on additional responsibilities during Tierney’s absence and will continue to do so before her structured transition back to full-time working.

Malcolm Wall, who is chair of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and remains a WRU board director, will continue to spend additional time supporting the executive leadership on the proposed implementation of the new model for elite rugby in Wales.

The WRU executive team also includes Geraint John (community director), Leighton Davies (chief commercial officer), Lydia Stirling (chief people officer), Dave Reddin (director of rugby & elite performance) and Gavin Marshall (chief operating officer).

“Initially, Abi will start a phased return, working part-time and concentrating on getting up to speed,” said Collier-Keywood.

“The work on implementing the conclusions of the recent consultation will continue to be led by Malcolm Wall.

“I will continue to spend time supporting the executive during this period.”

Before starting her enforced absence, Tierney was at the press conference in August where the WRU stated it wanted two professional sides.

Tierney missed the month-long public consultation in September, which was overseen by Reddin.

The outcome was announced in October with the WRU stating they now prefer three teams with one professional side to be cut.

There will be three licences awarded to sides with one in Cardiff and one each in the west and east.

Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Scotland have suffered a triple injury blow as they prepare to face Greece in World Cup qualifying, with likely starter Billy Gilmour ruled out of Saturday’s match in Piraeus.

The Napoli midfielder has not pulled out of the squad completely, with the Scots facing Denmark in a potential Group C decider three days later at Hampden Park.

But Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller and Bristol City defender Ross McCrorie have withdrawn.

Midfielder Gilmour was forced off with an adductor injury shortly before half-time during Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Como just over a week ago.

He has since missed the midweek Champions League draw with Eintracht Frankfurt and Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by a Bologna side captained by Scotland team-mate Lewis Ferguson as the reigning Italian champions slipped from top to fourth place.

The Scottish FA revealed on Monday: “Billy Gilmour will not travel to the training camp in Turkey due to an injury so will play no part in the game against Greece.”

Miller was also missing from Udinese’s squad as they lost 2-0 to Roma, while McCrorie came off after 57 minutes of Bristol City’s 1-1 draw with Watford.

McCrorie had been recalled by Scotland head coach Clarke to provide right-back cover with Brentford’s Aaron Hickey only just back from the injury he sustained during the last international window and with Derby County’s Max Johnston and Everton’s Nathan Patterson now sidelined.

Scotland sit second behind Denmark on goal difference and, with Brian Riemer’s side likely to take three points against bottom side Belarus, Clarke’s men need a point against already eliminated Greece to set up a winner-take-all climax to the group for the automatic qualifying place.

He was supposed to be Brazil’s next superstar and part of Real Madrid’s new era of Galacticos, but Endrick’s career has hit a stumbling block.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a promising first season at Real Madrid, making 37 appearances – albeit the majority came from the substitutes’ bench.

But things aren’t looking as positive under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Endrick has played just 14 minutes in a single appearance this term, coming on as a late substitute in a 4-0 victory over Valencia.

And now, for the fourth international window in a row, the teenager has been left out of Brazil’s squad by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Endrick joined Real Madrid shortly after his 18th birthday in July 2024, which was 18 months after Real agreed a deal with Brazilian side Palmeiras.

At the time of his arrival in Spain, he had already made 10 appearances and scored three goals for Brazil.

Endrick scored seven goals in his first season at Real – three more than compatriot Vinicius Jr managed in his own debut campaign – but he was mainly used off the bench and was limited to just 352 minutes in La Liga.

With Ancelotti leaving for the Brazil job, a new era under Alonso seemed to offer a fresh opportunity for Endrick to prove his worth.

However, he suffered a hamstring injury in May which ruled him out of the Club World Cup, while a recurrence of the same injury saw him miss the start of the season.

He returned on 20 September but ended up as an unused substitute in Real’s next six matches before his 14-minute cameo against Valencia last week.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Sport that Alonso sees Endrick as a forward with plenty to offer – if not now, then before long.

“Alonso recognises he has a good relationship with the goal, it is easy for him to score, but there are priorities,” Balague said.

“Gonzalo Garcia gives him more because he holds the ball well. He is more linked to the team, whereas Endrick is a finisher and hasn’t managed to get into the dynamics of the team.

While sources are indicating there has yet to be a final decision on whether Endrick leaves on loan when the January transfer window opens, it is understood Real are reluctantly giving consideration to sanctioning a move.

Endrick is settled in the Spanish capital and enjoying life in mainland Europe.

There is a belief that remaining in Madrid, despite his current lack of first-team minutes, would benefit the youngster in the long term as he continues his transition to senior football in a foreign country as a teenager.

But there are other factors to consider.

The first, and most obvious, is linked to his development. His lack of first-team action under Alonso was not envisaged as part of the player’s perceived pathway at Real.

There would be an obvious benefit for Endrick to leave and play senior football on more of a regular basis simply in terms of his growth as a teenage footballer.

The fact the World Cup is on the horizon provides Endrick with another reason to seriously think about leaving in January.

His lack of action under Alonso, should it continue, may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti’s Brazil plans in time for the summer.

Then there is the emergence of Estevao Willian at Chelsea. Not long ago, Endrick was the undisputed wonderkid of Brazilian football.

The coming of age of Estevao at Chelsea this season has seen the 18-year-old – who played with Endrick at Palmeiras – become the new apple of the Brazilian public’s eye.

So what should Endrick do? It’s a tough call for a young man to make.

Balague said: “In the previous winter, a year ago, there was the possibility of going on loan but it was decided it was not going to be the case.

Work on identifying potential destinations for Endrick is under way.

Intriguingly, a number of Premier League clubs are understood to have been made aware of his possible availability.

Similarly, clubs from other top European leagues have also been alerted to the situation that may be on the horizon.

For example, French club Lyon are among the clubs to have shown a firm interest.

“A Lyon loan is certainly a possibility because they are in the Europa League and he will play regularly. He then wants to come back and succeed at Real Madrid,” said Balague.

It will be intriguing to see which division and club Endrick selects.

While the global appeal of the Premier League would attract the biggest set of eyes, the demanding and physical nature of England’s top flight may not suit a player of the Brazilian’s inexperience.

For example, if Endrick is open to moving to England it is understood West Ham would be among the clubs interested in a loan.

But you would have to wonder whether joining a team fighting relegation under the pragmatic leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo would suit Endrick’s attacking talent.

Chelsea have been interested in Endrick in the past, but with the Blues now well stocked in attack there are no indications they would want to bring him in now.

It is key to stress that when a potential loan move for Endrick was first mooted earlier this year, Real made it clear that they had no intention of sanctioning his departure.

Of course, their stance may have changed given his limited game time.

Whether Real would provide clearance for a January exit will become clearer in the coming weeks.

Any loan departure would come with an element of risk.

Success elsewhere could persuade Alonso that Endrick is ready for a more significant role in his plans.

On the flip side, a failed or difficult move could lead to negativity over Endrick’s long-term ambitions in Madrid.

However, Endrick is young enough not to be defined by the next eight months, whether he spends that time in Spain or elsewhere.

Those close to Endrick are acutely aware of the pros and cons of any January move, and in many ways the safest bet would be to stay at Real.

Having spent up to €72million (£63m) on Endrick, a deal that made the youngster one of the most expensive teenagers of all time, Real clearly want to protect their investment.

While the benefits of Endrick playing and scoring for another club could aid the long-term plan for the teenager to become a genuine Galactico, an ineffective transfer could affect the forward’s value and dent his confidence.