His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett to become Chairman of PGB
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has today announced that His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, the current RFU Chairman of Governance, will become Chairman of the Professional Game Board (PGB) with immediate effect. The appointment is for a term ending on 31 July 2018.
He replaces Ian Metcalfe, who stepped down earlier this year having completed his maximum term of three years as director without portfolio followed by six years as PGB Chairman.
The PGB was formed in 2008 out of the Professional Game Agreement between the RFU and Premiership Rugby and the individual clubs. Its remit is to monitor and manage all issues to do with playing professional rugby in England, ranging from season structure to player welfare.
Commenting on the appointment, RFU Chairman of the Board Andy Cosslett said, “I am delighted to welcome Jeff as the new Chairman of the PGB. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience following his years of service as RFU Chief Disciplinary Officer and Chairman of Governance. I am sure he will be an excellent chairman.”
Blackett played for US Portsmouth and represented London University, the Royal Navy and Hampshire. A Senior Circuit Judge, Deputy High Court Judge and the Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces, he is president of US Portsmouth RFC and a life member of the Royal Navy Rugby Union. He joined the RFU Council in 2000 as the Royal Navy representative and was the Honorary Disciplinary Officer from 2003 – 2013. He was co-opted without portfolio in 2013 and was elected Chairman of the Governance Standing Committee and member of the Board of Directors for a three-year term from AGM 2014.
HH Judge Jeff Blackett added, “I am honoured to be chosen to chair the PGB. This is an exciting time for professional rugby following the ground-breaking new agreement signed earlier this year. I look forward to working with our partners at Premiership Rugby, the Greene King IPA Championship and the RPA to ensure the strength of the domestic professional game and England international teams for the future”
A new Chairman of Governance will be announced in due course.
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