Premiership Rugby CEO clarifies role of new rugby sporting commission
Monday, February 20, 2023 8:13 p.m
Premiership Rugby have announced plans to overhaul their governance with a new Sporting Commission and Financial Oversight Board.
The moves are part of wider changes at the top of the English game following the demise of Worcester Warriors and Wasps.
“We are establishing an independent reporting committee to make sporting decisions on behalf of the Premiership,” said Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Simon Massie-Taylor City AM
“At the moment it is structured in such a way that all clubs are represented in this forum and that in itself poses a risk of conflict, but it is also quite complicated to make decisions with a lot of things requiring a super majority or unanimous decision-making.
“There are certain things that will continue to be that, but we’re trying to transfer and simplify the regular and important sporting decisions that we make, whether it’s season formats or player welfare and other things. “
The commission will consist of an independent chairman, three independent members – including a new ex-player – Massie-Taylor and Phil Winstanley, rugby director.
Legal heavyweight Sir Nigel Boardman, a former partner at City law firm Slaughter and May, will give an overview of how Wasps and Worcester went into administration earlier this season.
“Financial reform of elite professional rugby in England is high on the Premiership Rugby agenda and today’s announcement is a significant step forward for us,” said chairman Martyn Phillips.
“When the Worcester Warriors and Wasps went into administration it was a devastating blow to two communities and professional rugby in England.
“Sir Nigel will start an important process which will envisage the establishment of a Financial Monitoring Body (FMP), backed by a fit for purpose regulatory framework, to better oversee Premiership club finances and provide the necessary safeguards to ensure our clubs become financially stronger and more sustainable.”
Boardman led the 2021 government inquiry into the Greensill Capital lobby dispute and last year ended a nearly 50-year collaboration with Slaughter and May.
The M&A specialist also worked for the government during the financial crisis and enjoyed shuffling deals, representing his beloved arsenal in sports law matters.
“Having someone of Sir Nigel’s caliber to lead this review is a major boost to our strategy,” added Phillips.
“Once the review is completed we will form a financial watchdog to ensure clubs are financially stronger and protect the integrity of Premiership Rugby and its stakeholders.”