Rugby Union's rank and file ran out of patience with the game's establishment today by electing Graeme Cattermole in place of Brian Baister as chairman of the RFU's management board.

Baister, chairman since 1998, had the backing of the council to serve a fourth and final year.

But the high profile support counted for little with the electorate at the RFU's AGM at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Cattermole, the management board's chairman of finance, was supported by former England international Fran Cotton and seven county RFUs and won the vote 301-199.

His victory came despite Baister playing an apparent trump card before the election by claiming the long-awaited agreement between the RFU and Premiership clubs had been resolved.

But that did not sway Cattermole's belief that the time for change had come.

``I'm not surprised by the victory,'' said Cattermole, a long-time member of Wasps and Harrow RFC. ``I am surprised at the size of the win because I believed it would be a closely fought contest.

``But I always felt there was a need for change and an understanding that somebody is needed in the leadership who can address all sections of the game.

``My background obviously helps me to be able to do that. I've played the game, been involved with junior and senior clubs, am on the RFU's management board and have been involved in the negotiations with the Premiership clubs. So I feel I'm well suited to the role. Finally my professional background in banking helps quite a bit as well.''

Cattermole plans to meet with the RFU's chief executive Francis Baron this week to identify their priorities and has no doubts that reaching agreement with the clubs is essential.

``Clearly that is at the top of the agenda,'' he added. ``We need to look at that, work together and set ourselves some deadlines.''

Despite the pressing need to resolve the differences at the top level, Cattermole has not lost sight of the needs of the smaller clubs.

``We need to recognise what people are feeling out in the game. That may not always come through in the RFU Council. I want to bring about a better understanding in the game. References was made today to the different views that prevail within it.

``We have to listen and understand what those are and then work with the people concerned to come to a common theme.''

Baron confirmed Baister's claim that agreement with the Premiership clubs was imminent.

``We've reached agreement with them,'' he said. ``It should now go forward to the council for approval and we are now in an excellent position to implement our strategic plan.''

But while that issue appears to have been resolved, the RFU is concerned by the low turnout at the AGM and number of votes cast in the election.

Fewer than 25 per cent of the potential electorate voted and attendance at the NEC was less than 200.

``It's not good when the meeting is so poorly attended as it was today,'' admitted Baron. "The issue of holding an AGM in July, particularly when a lot of sporting activity is going on, is problematical.

``We would like a much better turnout and are reviewing the position as to when is the best time to hold the meeting.''