John O'Neill appointed to Rugby World Cup Board

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) Managing Director and Chief Executive John O'Neill has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Rugby World Cup Ltd.

The influential Rugby World Cup Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Rugby Board (IRB), is charged with overseeing the delivery of Rugby World Cup tournaments and all commercial rights involved with the code's premier event.

O'Neill said he was delighted to accept the position with his elevation to the Board confirmed by the IRB Executive Committee. He will be one of five directors on a Board led by IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

O'Neill stated "I am honoured to have been nominated and subsequently appointed to the role and will endeavour to make a significant contribution via the experience and knowledge gained through what is now 17 years as a CEO in two truly global sports.

"The Rugby World Cup Ltd Board has a hugely important role in ensuring the showpiece of the international game, staged every four years, continues to grow in status and drives the revenues that underpin the development of Rugby worldwide."

ARU Chairman Peter McGrath, a member of the IRB Executive Committee, said the appointment of John O'Neill to the Board of Rugby World Cup Ltd was deserved recognition for a massive and ongoing contribution to the game both domestically and internationally.

McGrath added "it is wonderful news for Australian rugby. For us to have a voice on a Board as influential as that of Rugby World Cup Ltd proves we have built genuine currency at the IRB in recent times.

"That standing has been greatly enhanced by John's presence and I speak on behalf of the ARU Board in congratulating him on this latest achievement.

"John has been an ARU delegate to the IRB over a long period of time and is highly respected for the views and intellect he brings to the table of the game's highest decision-making body.

"To have John at the helm of ARU management and on the Board of Rugby World Cup Ltd is significant.

"It is also testament to his business acumen, his leadership and his tireless commitment to our game."

Members of the Rugby World Cup Limited Board are:

• IRB Chairman; Bernard Lapasset,

• IRB Vice Chairman; Oregan Hoskins,

• Acting IRB Chief Executive; Robert Brophy,

• John O'Neill (Australia), and

• David Pickering (Wales).

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