Ex-WRU boss Phillips has hooked up with Premiership Rugby

Former Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips has been appointed as the new chair of Premiership Rugby. Phillips will succeed Andy Higginson in the role and his appointment follows the recent announcement of Simon Massie-Taylor as the organisation’s new chief executive.

“Premiership Rugby is pleased to announce that Martyn Phillips will be joining as the new chair following on in the role from Andy Higginson, who has helped to provide strong leadership for the league and its clubs as they navigated the challenges of Covid-19 over the last two years,” Premiership Rugby said in a statement.

“Premiership Rugby has emerged from the crisis as a strong, vibrant league with some of the best rugby players and clubs in the world, as demonstrated at the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at the end of the 2020/21 season.

"During this period Premiership Rugby has also significantly developed its management team resources, with the appointment of Simon Massie-Taylor as new chief executive of Premiership Rugby, and Nigel Melville as the new chair of the Premiership Rugby Club Investor Group.

"Premiership Rugby and its member clubs would like to thank Andy Higginson for his two years of service during this challenging period, and to welcome Martyn Phillips into the role as the new chair."

Phillips, who had a five-year stint at the WRU until 2020, added: “There is a significant opportunity for Premiership Rugby to continue to develop the tournament and its commercial rights to their full potential. 

"I'm very excited about this new role and look forward to working together with Simon and his team, the clubs, owners and investors over the years ahead.”