Walkinshaw steps down from Premier Rugby
May 23, 2002

Gloucester owner Tom Walkinshaw is to step down from his position as chairman of Premier Rugby, part of the umbrella organisation responsible for England's 12 Premiership clubs.

He will also retire from his position of the England Rugby board, the joint venture between Premier Rugby and Rugby Football.

Harlequins' Charles Jillings will take over as Premier Rugby chairman for a two-year term, with Premier Rugby's chief executive Howard Thomas replacing Walkinshaw on the England Rugby Board.

Walkinshaw, who will continue as Gloucester's chairman, was appointed chairman of Premier Rugby in November, 1998, during a period of seismic change in the English game.

"My original aim was to help set up a long-term, secure structure for the Premier clubs," Walkinshaw said.

"Through the achievements of the Premier Rugby Board, and the creation of England Rugby, I believe this structure is now in place and it is time for someone else to take over the chairmanship.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges I faced over the last few years, and look forward to remaining involved in what is a very positive future for professional club rugby, through Gloucester."

Saracens' millionaire chief Nigel Wray led the tributes to Walkinshaw.

"It was Tom who almost single-handedly turned a bunch of diverse, determined and quite often difficult Premiership clubs and owners into a pretty cohesive group with a real vision for the game," Wray said.

"Without him and his huge efforts, I doubt it would have happened. The English game owes this Scotsman an awful lot."

And RFU chief executive Francis Baron added: "Tom led the Premier Rugby negotiating team which last summer reached agreement with the RFU in creating the England Rugby partnership.

"Tom has been a tough negotiator, but has always delivered on his word, and I would like to thank him for the key role he has played in creating the new future for professional rugby in England."

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