John Jeffrey secures a brand new position at World Rugby

Former Scotland forward John Jeffrey is the new World Rugby vice chair, replacing Bernard Laporte as chairman Bill Beaumont’s No2. The 1990 Grand Slam winner was the only nomination to fill the vacancy when the deadline closed and the World Rugby council member has now been elected to become the vice chair.

A statement read: “World Rugby can confirm that John Jeffrey (Scottish Rugby Union) has been nominated in accordance with the bye-laws for the vacant position of the international federation’s vice chair. No other nominations were received.

“In accordance with World Rugby bye-law nine, member unions were invited to submit nominations for the position by the closing date of April 11. In order to stand, candidates must be a current member of the World Rugby Council at the time of their nomination.

“Jeffrey was proposed and nominated by the Scottish Rugby Union and seconded by South Africa Rugby Union.

“As the only candidate nominated, Jeffrey is deemed elected as vice chair of World Rugby subject to ratification by the World Rugby council at its annual meeting being held virtually on May 11. He will serve as vice chair for the remainder of the current term (through to November 2024).

“The election of Jeffrey as vice chair in addition to the recent stepping down of Khaled Babbou following his retirement as Rugby Africa president creates two vacancies on World Rugby’s executive board. The positions will be determined via a remote voting process after the 2023 World Rugby annual meeting of council.”