Keith Rowlands is set to be named the new president of the Welsh Rugby Union.
The Western Mail reports that he comfortably beat rival David East in their showdown to succeed Sir Tasker Watkins for the figurehead post.
It is believed that former International Rugby Board chief executive Rowlands polled 112 votes, compared to the 64 of ex-WRU secretary East.
But there appeared to be apathy among clubs and affiliated organisations entitled to vote with around 50 votes not being cast during the postal ballot.
Former Wales and British Lions star Rowlands, 68, had spells as a player with Cardiff, Llanelli and London Welsh.
He won five caps for Wales as a lock from 1962-65 as well as going on the 1962 Lions tour of South Africa.
After hanging up his boots, he served Cardiff RFC as coach and administrator, sat on the WRU committee and, in 1988, became the first chief executive of the IRB, spending eight years in the role.
He was also a director of Rugby World Cup and helped oversee the tournament's organisation in 1999 in Wales.
In his election address to WRU member clubs and affiliated organisations, he wrote, "I have always been, I am now and I shall always be dedicated to the game in Wales."