Thursday 22 March 2018 10:41, UK
Former Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie has been appointed as Premiership Rugby's new independent non-executive chairman.
Premiership Rugby, the umbrella organisation for England's 12 Aviva Premiership clubs, announced Ritchie's two-year term will start next month.
Ritchie retired from his role at the RFU last summer following a five-year stint as chief executive.
During Ritchie's time at Twickenham, he was instrumental in delivering the England-hosted 2015 Rugby World Cup and in the appointment of Australian Eddie Jones as England head coach.
He was elected unanimously to his new role by Premiership Rugby's board of directors.
Ritchie said: "Premiership Rugby has become one of the foremost competitions in professional sport, and I'm pleased to be taking the chair at this time.
"Clearly, the partnership with the RFU is central to the success of both club and country, and I look forward to helping ensure its success.
"I take over the chairmanship with Premiership Rugby in great shape."
Semore Kurdi, who is the current chairman and owner of Newcastle Falcons, added: "We are in a period of significant domestic and international growth for the club game, with this weekend's big Aviva Premiership Rugby matches just one example, as they will be seen in some 200 countries around the world.
"Ian will undoubtedly add to our ability to realise the full potential of the league. I have enjoyed my time in the chair and I look forward to working with him through this next phase."
