RFU CEO Ian Ritchie to retire

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of the RFU, has today informed the RFU Board of Directors, management and staff that he will retire at the end of the summer.

Ian Ritchie, 63, joined the RFU in February 2012. Under his leadership, the RFU has delivered record revenue and investment into professional and community rugby.  In this time, England teams have won three Grand Slams (men in 2016, women in 2017 and U20s in 2017) and four world titles (women in 2014, U20s in 2013, 2014 and 2016.)

The England men’s team won back-to-back 6 Nations Championships in 2016 and 2017.

Ritchie also oversaw the successful delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. Participation in rugby has increased every year during Ritchie's tenure. Landmark initiatives include the successful CBRE All Schools programme which has already taken rugby to 500 more state secondary schools in England and will increase this to 750 by Rugby World Cup 2019. 
 

 Ian Ritchie commented: "It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the RFU. I'm proud to have been part of the rugby family, working with so many talented, passionate and committed teams at every level of the game and of the Union. Rugby is a special sport, and one which is very hard to leave, but after a 40-year career and seven CEO roles, I will retire at the end of the summer with a lifetime of memories, many of which have rugby at heart. I would like to thank Andy Cosslett, the Board, and everyone at the RFU for their support "