Rugby

Philip Browne to leave role as chief executive of IRFU

Browne has held the role since 1998 and had planned to retire earlier before pandemic

IRFU CEO Philip Browne will step down at the end of the year. Photo: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Wed Sep 8 2021 - 14:27

Philip Browne will retire as chief executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) at the end of the year.

Browne has held the role of chief executive for 23 years since 1998 and will step aside on December 31st.

Chief operating officer Kevin Potts will assume the role as interim chief executive while the organisation undertake a recruitment process.

Browne was due to step aside when he turned 60 but delayed the move after the Covid-19 pandemic struck, causing a severe financial impact for the IRFU. He may continue in part-time roles in the future but, as yet, has not made any decisions.

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“It has long been my intention to retire from the role of Chief Executive to coincide with reaching the age of 60,” Browne said in a statement released by the IRFU.

“I delayed my decision, given the recent extraordinary pressures on Irish rugby, as a result of the Covid Pandemic. I now believe we are at a point where it is possible to commence plotting a sustainable route out of the pandemic and engage in a structured approach to future longer-term planning, hence the announcement of my decision at this time.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive and while undoubtedly it has been a pressurised and challenging role it has, in equal measure, been a truly exciting and rewarding career.

“I would like to thank the various Union committees with whom I have worked and the staff of the Union for their unwavering support as, together, we oversaw the constant changes required to ensure the Union remained relevant to its constituents and the world game.

“I intend, in time, to reflect on possible future part-time commitments but, as of now, have no definite plans.”