JEFFREY CONFIRMED AS NEW VICE-CHAIR OF WORLD RUGBY

FORMER Scotland international John Jeffrey has been officially confirmed as the new vice-chair of World Rugby. The Grand Slam hero had previously served as chairman of Scottish Rugby. He has worked with World Rugby in various capacities since 2010 but now steps up to a senior role and will serve under current chairman Bill Beaumont. Jeffrey, who will serve for the remainder of the current term until November 2024, said: ‘I am honoured and excited to be elected World Rugby vice-chairman and would like to thank my council colleagues for placing their faith in me. ‘It is faith that I fully intend in repaying... in supporting Bill and the World Rugby team in continuing to deliver a bold and ambitious mandate to grow the sport, widen representation and make rugby all it can be. ‘I am passionate about the game, its players, coaches and match officials and the sport’s ability to bring people and communities together. ‘With that spirit 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.’ Beaumont said: ‘John takes his position at an exciting time for the sport as we seek to innovate on and off the field and grow beyond our traditional heartlands. ‘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.’