NZR and RFU heads join World Cup board

RFU and NZR chief executives Steve Brown and Steve Tew have both been appointed to the board of Rugby World Cup Limited, announced Friday.

The pair were involved in the delivery of two of the most successful Rugby World Cups ever – 2015 in England and 2011 in New Zealand

They will take up their positions on the board in May.

As managing director of England Rugby in 2015, Brown was aided in the planning and delivery of the record-shattering 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The 2015 event became the best attended, most viewed, most socially engaged, most competitive and most commercially successful World Cup to date.

As New Zealand Rugby CEO, Tew was at the heart of a Rugby World Cup in 2011 that raised the bar in terms of delivering a unique, nationwide festival of rugby, generating significant economic benefits to the host nation, exceeding expectations on tourism and setting new standards in competitiveness.

The 2019 edition in Japan will be the first Rugby World Cup in Asia and is driving record participation growth within the world's most populous region.

World Rugby Chairman Beaumont said in a statement: “We are delighted that both Steve Brown and Steve Tew are joining the Rugby World Cup Board. Both have exceptionally strong track records delivering world-class tournaments that set new standards for the sport of rugby.

"Their combined wealth of experience and expert knowledge will be invaluable as we look ahead to Japan 2019, a ground-breaking tournament that will bring Rugby World Cup to Asia for the first time, and France 2023.”

Brown said: “It is a real privilege to be asked to formally join World Rugby in its aims to engage and inspire the world through the Rugby World Cup tournament.

"England 2015 and the RFU worked hand in hand with World Rugby to stage and host a very successful event, and I am keen to draw on the learnings from 2015 to ensure that future World Cups provide the best possible stage for unions, players and ultimately the game to shine ”

Tew added: “Rugby World Cup is rugby’s pinnacle tournament and I am honoured to be part of the team. It’s important that we build on the success of the record-breaking event in 2015, and continue to showcase the best of both the men’s and women’s game to new audiences worldwide."