COVENTRY Rugby CEO, Nick Johnston, believes the appointment of Simon Gillham OBE as chair of the new Tier 2 Board will benefit the launch of the league next season.
The RFU plan to launch a new league below the Premiership for the 2025/26 season with Johnston part of the newly-established Tier 2 board.
And Johnston expects Gillham’s appointment as chair of the board will bring huge value to the new league.
Johnston said: “Simon will bring huge value to the Board and the league more widely: we’re delighted by his appointment.
“Over the course of his 20-year involvement in French rugby he has seen Pro D2 develop substantially and has first-hand experience of the keys to thatsuccess will be of huge benefit to us.
“We look forward to him joining us as we gear up to a launch of the league for the 2025-26 season.”
Gillham added: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Tier 2 Board. During discussions and observations of recent weeks I have been very impressed by the standards of Championship Rugby both on and off the rugby field.
“We must now build on the existing positives and work with the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the RPA and all the English rugby clubs to raise the standards further.
“This will involve talent and infrastructure development, strict financial discipline, a vibrant promotion/relegation system and raised visibility through media and sponsorship agreements.”
The board comprises senior representatives from both the RFU and Tier 2 clubs and is responsible for driving the growth of the second tier of the men’s game in England.
