Page 6 - RFU Annual Report 2015/2016

Chairman of the Board
04

Bill Beaumont CBE DL
Chairman

What a fantastic season this has A major pillar of our legacy
been on which to complete my programme, this has helped
four years as Chairman of the the development of rugby in 17
RFU Board. We were determined European nations, twinning them
that in hosting Rugby World with 30 RFU Constituent Bodies.
Cup 2015, it would be one of the It is to be hoped that the
most memorable sporting events achievements of this multi-national
ever held, and that we would grassroots programme will see
achieve recognition for the way the Union continue to work with
the RFU governs the game, and World Rugby to grow rugby
I believe that we have exceeded Thanks are also due to John internationally.
expectations. Spencer who leaves the Board
having been an excellent World In the past four years we have
The modernised structure of Rugby representative, a role which achieved a great deal. Our new
the Board has helped to meet will now be fulfilled by our new governance has seen us become
our Strategic Plan intent of Board member Jonathan Webb. a more modern organisation,
ensuring the best possible We will I’m sure be watching the without losing the essential DNA
corporate governance. Members British & Irish Lions next year, of providing a game for all: girls,
of the Board of Directors are when John is their tour manager. boys, women and men.
appointed for three-year terms,
with maximum term limits. The Simon Massie-Taylor replaces While acknowledging the great
Union’s rules require the inclusion Sophie Goldschmidt as RFU Chief disappointment of England’s early
of independent non-executive Commercial Officer and Board exit from the world tournament,
directors and gives the option of member. We are grateful for we now have much to celebrate:
an independent Chairman elected Sophie’s contribution to the Board our first Grand Slam since 2003,
by the RFU Council. and the sport, and look forward to our U20s becoming World Rugby
working with Simon. champions for the third year in
The Board now has a balanced four, England becoming the first
mix of independent non-executive Much appreciation is due for team to win a series clean sweep in
directors, volunteer Council the sterling work of Ian Metcalfe Australia since 1971.
members, and executive staff, who, having served the Union
reflecting a broad spectrum of superbly over the past nine years, Add to this enjoying the starring
business and finance skills. steps down having completed his role of sevens on the Olympic
maximum term for three years as stage, and giving professional
In March we appointed Dominic director without portfolio followed contracts to our women’s 15s
Proctor, one of the most influential by six as Professional Game players, to join those for our
figures in the global media and Board Chairman. women’s sevens players, so that
advertising industry as our third they can defend their 2014 world
Independent Non-Executive Both Ian and Rob Andrew, who has title, and it is clear there’s a huge
Director (INED). He joined departed after excellent work as amount to inspire players and fans
existing INEDs Helen Weir, CFO our Professional Rugby Director, as playing numbers increase.
at Marks & Spencer Group plc and deserve congratulation for
Andy Cosslett, Non-Executive securing our eight-year agreement It is gratifying to know that my
Chairman of England Rugby 2015, with Premiership Rugby Limited. successor as RFU Board Chairman
the organising committee for the will take over at an exceptionally
Rugby World Cup. My sincere thanks also go to positive time for England Rugby
Karena Vleck who leaves us and, in closing, I would like to
My thanks go to Andy Higginson this summer, having served so sincerely thank everyone for
for his service to the Board, and his splendidly as Company Secretary their unerring support and
wise counsel to me as Chairman. for some 12 years. encouragement over the past four
years and in my appointment as
Andy served as Chairman of It has been particularly pleasing Chairman of World Rugby.
the Audit Committee and the to watch the success of the RFU’s
Remuneration Committee, Unity Project, run in partnership
stepping down in December 2015. with World Rugby, Rugby Europe
and UK Sport.

What a fantastic season this has
been on which to complete my four
years as Chairman of the RFU Board.

Annual Report 2015/16