Smith steps into World Cup role
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) revealed that Quentin Smith has been appointed to the England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015) Board, the body set up to deliver World Cup 2015 in England.
Smith, Chairman of Premiership Rugby, joins RFU Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ritchie; RFU Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Brown; Professional Game Board Chairman, Ian Metcalfe; Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former RFU President, John Owen; RFU Council member and Chairman of the Championship Clubs Geoff Irvine and Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and the Government’s Chief Operating Officer, Ian Watmore on the Board, led by ER 2015 Chairman, Andrew Cosslett and ER 2015 CEO, Paul Vaughan.
Formerly in management and then a lawyer, Smith was acknowledged as a top mediator in the country, as well as chairing the internationally acclaimed Sports Business Group which handled the legal work for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, RFL, FA, Football League, Rugby Union and motor sports.
He was the Chairman of Sale Sharks club for 10 years before being elected as the first independent Chairman of Premiership Rugby in 2010.
The appointment adds further depth to the Board and sees a cohesive and considered approach from the RFU and ER 2015, ensuring domestic professional rugby is represented as England prepares to host the best ever World Cup in 1198 days.
On the appointment Ian Ritchie, the RFU CEO and ER 2015 Board Member, said: "Quentin is highly respected in and outside of the game and brings valuable expertise to the Board as we look towards 2015. It is important for the Board to have a wide ranging and complimentary skill set, representing all elements of rugby, as we look to deliver a memorable tournament and to grow participation across the country."
Smith said: "I am delighted to join the England Rugby 2015 Board and am hugely excited to be a part of the body delivering the biggest event in our sport. The Board is made up of a great mix of individuals and I look forward to working with Andrew Cosslett, Paul Vaughan and all the Board members in delivering what will be a fantastic event in England in 2015.
"Throughout my rugby career with Sale Sharks and Premiership Rugby I have experienced first-hand the great passion and appetite for rugby in this country and know there will be a huge contribution made by all of our domestic stakeholders; fans, players, clubs, media and many more, in hosting the thousands of travelling supporters who want to be part of this great celebration of the game.
"Delivering the best ever Rugby World Cup is a going to be a great challenge and one which I look forward to greatly."
Andrew Cosslett, Chairman England Rugby 2015, added: "Quentin has such a unique perspective on the development and operation of domestic professional rugby and this, combined with his background in mediation and law, should prove to be valuable assets to ER 2015 Board.
"With our tournament dates now confirmed, preparation is really ramping up and Quentin’s appointment adds further depth to the Board charged with delivering the best Rugby World Cup in England 2015."
