John Jeffrey Is New World Rugby Vice-Chairman

John Jeffrey was confirmed as World Rugby Vice-Chairman at the international federation’s Annual Meeting of Council and replaces the controversial Frenchman Bernard Laporte.

Jeffrey is the former Scotland and Six Nations Chairman and was the only candidate nominated for the position following Laporte stepping down as he is embroiled in legal cases. Jeffrey will serve out the rest of the term through to November 2024, it was confirmed by the international federation’s Annual Meeting of Council in May 2023.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said of the appointment “As a past chairman of the Rugby and Match Official Selection Committees, John has already played a leading role in the work of World Rugby to date, championing the evolution of the game and bringing players, coaches and match officials closer to the decision-making processes.”

Photo Credit: (World Rugby) John Jeffrey Is The New World Rugby Vice-Chairman Until Nov 2024

Jeffrey himself said: “I am passionate about the game, its players, coaches and match officials and the sport’s ability to bring people and communities together. It is with that spirit that I hope to contribute to the big challenges and opportunities that face the game as we strive to make the sport even more relevant and exciting for young people to play and watch while strengthening a sustainable business model.”

World Rugby Executive Board

It’s speculated that Beaumont will step down in 2024 and Jeffrey might target the top job. A number of contendors are rumoured to be vying for roles with the EXCO as Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said he might run to be the vice-chairman of the global governing body World Rugby next year, while South African SA Rugby President Mark Alexander is also being linked to run although he currently denies it.

Khaled Babbou recently announced he would step down following his retirement as Rugby Africa President.

World Rugby’s Executive Board is open to nominations until 19 May 2023 with the positions determined by a remote voting process in accordance with World Rugby’s Bye-Laws in the coming weeks.

Fiji Rugby Union – Voting Rights Suspension

Another piece of news coming from the World Rugb EXCO meeting is that Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has reportedly been suspended from the World Rugby Council and lost its voting rights due to allegations of operating illegally.

A report on RNZ indicated that FRU can still send teams to all World Rugby-sanctioned tournaments, including the RWC 2023.

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