By RFU Press Office
February 4 2011

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby have today announced that Ian Metcalfe, RFU Board Director, will replace Martyn Thomas, Chairman of the RFU Board, as Chairman of the Professional Game Board (PGB) with immediate effect.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership Rugby have today announced that Ian Metcalfe, RFU Board Director, will replace Martyn Thomas, Chairman of the RFU Board, as Chairman of the Professional Game Board (PGB) with immediate effect.

The Professional Game Board was formed out of the eight year deal signed three years ago by the RFU and Premiership Rugby and the individual clubs. Its remit is to monitor and manage all issues to do with the playing of professional rugby in England ranging from season structure to player welfare and including recommending variations to the eight year agreement where required.

The RFU nominates the chairman of the PGB, which is a two year limited tenure, and for the first period this was agreed to be Thomas in his role of Chairman of the RFU Board. He has now decided to step down and the RFU Board has chosen Metcalfe to take over.

Martyn Thomas, commented, “Ian is an outstanding choice as the new chairman of the PGB. He has a deep knowledge of high performance rugby and has trust and credibility with the professional clubs and, as through his involvement with the RPA, is highly respected there also. I am sure he will lead the PGB with distinction and vision.”

A double Cambridge Blue, Metcalfe is managing partner of Wragge & Co, one of the UK’s largest law firms and was previously a player with Sale and Moseley, where he was captain in 1985-87. He also played for England B and went on tour with England to New Zealand in 1985. He played four times for the Barbarians and still sits on the BaaBaas committee.

Ian Metcalfe added, “It is a huge honour and privilege to be chosen to chair the PGB. Professional rugby continues to grow and prosper but at the same time is facing significant challenges. Working with our partners at Premiership Rugby, the Championship and the RPA we will ensure we stay focussed on making the right decisions at the right time to encourage that growth and meet those challenges.”