Simon Gillham OBE appointed as Chair of England's Tier 2 Rugby Board

Simon Gillham OBE was appointed as Chair of England’s new Tier 2 Rugby Board, tasked with revitalizing the second tier of men’s professional rugby.

With his appointment effective immediately, Gillham will lead efforts to elevate the league's profile, improve its infrastructure, and expand its commercial impact, positioning the Championship as a crucial platform in English rugby.

The newly formed Tier 2 Board includes senior representatives from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Tier 2 clubs and aims to redefine the structure of men’s professional rugby’s second level in England.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy involving the RFU, the Championship Club Committee, and Premiership Rugby to create a sustainable system that nurtures young talent, fortifies financial stability, and builds a loyal fan base to strengthen English rugby’s foundation.

In a statement reflecting his excitement for the role, Gillham remarked, “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Tier 2 Board.” He continued by noting his high regard for the quality of Championship Rugby both on and off the field after observing recent developments. His vision for the Championship involves strengthening standards through enhanced talent development, robust infrastructure, and financial management.

Gillham brings over two decades of experience in French professional rugby, including a historic role as the first non-French President of CA Brive, competing in the Top 14 and Pro D2 leagues.

His tenure saw him take on roles as a shareholder, administrator, and active participant in various European rugby committees and working groups. Currently, he serves as Vice President at Brive after stepping down as President in June 2024.

In addition to his rugby experience, Gillham’s professional background includes senior roles on the Vivendi Management Board and as Chairman of Vivendi Village.

He has overseen international operations, such as Vivendi Ticketing (See Tickets) and Olympia Production, and spearheaded sponsorship deals for major events, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His expertise extends to media rights negotiations, highlighted by partnerships involving Canal+ and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR).

As Chair, Gillham has outlined his goals to enhance Tier 2 rugby’s visibility and financial stability, which will involve cultivating talent pipelines, improving club facilities, and securing media and sponsorship deals.

"We must now build on the existing positives and work with the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the RPA, and all the English rugby clubs to raise the standards further," he stated. His ambition is to foster a competitive promotion and relegation system that incentivizes performance while ensuring financial sustainability.

Under Gillham’s guidance, the Tier 2 Board will collaborate with key rugby stakeholders, aiming to create a sustainable second-tier system that fosters player growth and supports club longevity. By establishing a strong Championship platform, the board seeks to solidify the league's role in producing elite talent and offering a competitive environment for aspiring players.