RFU President Jason Leonard OBE

The RFU held its Annual General Meeting today, Friday June 12. RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie presented his report for season 2014/15 and told Council members that this was a most exciting year to be reporting on.

“We have just passed the milestone of 100 days to go to the Rugby World Cup, the UK & Ireland Trophy Tour has begun and we have seen the official start of the Festival of Rugby 2015.

“The whole thrust of our campaign lies in encouraging as many people as possible to embrace our sport – to know that rugby is for them. And I am sure this Rugby World Cup will have provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that.

“This has been another strong year and we have increased our investment in both professional and development rugby, with the total up 4% from 2013/14 to around £76m.”

Incoming RFU President Jason Leonard OBE, on looking ahead to his term in office said: “It seems absolutely right and fitting that this year my theme as President will be the legacy we will achieve from Rugby World Cup 2015.

“Rugby really is a game for everyone, no matter what shape or size, or where they come from, which is why initiatives like All Schools are critical to give as many young people as possible, the chance to enjoy all the game has to offer.

“All Schools is just one of our major legacy programmes and it’s also been really good to get out to the clubs and see the difference we are making to their clubhouses, pitches, floodlights and, through these improvements, the benefits to their own communities.”

Elected by the AGM for one-year terms were:

Jason Leonard OBE – President

Peter Baines – Senior Vice President

John Spencer – Junior Vice President

Appointments for one-year terms made by the RFU Council to take effect from the AGM:

John Spencer – RFU representative to World Rugby

Jonathan Dance – Past President.

And for a three-year term:

Bill Beaumont CBE DL – Chairman Board of Directors and World Rugby Representative