The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced Kevin Potts as their new chief executive.
Potts, who has been the union's chief operating officer since 2015, takes over from Philip Browne, who announced his retirement after 23 years in the role last September.
"This is a huge honour for me," said Potts, who represented Ireland at schools and 'A’ level and played for St Mary’s College.
"Rugby brings people together, on and off the field; and is a topic of conversation the length and breadth of the country, because people are passionate about it.
"Clearly the immediate challenges will be around the Six Nations Championships in these times of ongoing Covid uncertainty, the completion of the critically important reviews into our women's game, and the continued support of our provinces and clubs in an ever-changing environment.
"Rugby has always played a central role in my life, both as a player and administrator. Therefore, player welfare and the development of the game will be central to my decision making.
"I want to thank and acknowledge the leadership of Philip Browne over almost three decades at the fore of Irish Rugby.
"Philip is one of the most respected CEOs in Ireland and across world rugby and it is an honour to succeed him."
Prior to joining the IRFU in 2005, Potts qualified as a chartered accountant and has worked with Deutsche International, BNP Paribas Fund Services Ireland and Mellon Financial Corporation.
"Kevin has been a very strong chief operating officer for the IRFU and been a central figure in many of the Union’s key projects over the past number of years, including most recently, oversight of the IRFU’s successful negotiations with CVC as part of the Pro14 (URC) and Six Nations transactions, in addition to the extensive remit he oversees across the organisation," said IRFU president Des Kavanagh.
Potts will start his new job on 1 January.
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