Gillham to lead new English rugby's new Tier 2 Board
Former Brive and French Top 14 president Simon Gillham has been appointed as chair of the new Tier 2 Board of English rugby.
The body will be responsible for growing the professional second tier of the game in England.
Gillham, who will stay on a vice-president of Brive, was the first non-French President in the Top 14 and Pro D2 - the French second tier.
He has worked on the television deals between French rugby and broadcaster Canal+ for the last 15 years and served on the board of French media company Vivendi.
Gillham joins the second tier in a period of transition - the 12-team Championship is preparing to expand to 14 teams with former Premiership clubs Worcester, Wasps and London Irish all hoping to return following financial problems.
The three clubs, along with then-reigning Championship champions Jersey Reds, all went bust between 2022 and 2023.
"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," Gillham said.
"This will involve talent and infrastructure development, strict financial discipline, a vibrant promotion/relegation system and raised visibility through media and sponsorship agreements. I can't wait to get going."
Currently the side that wins the Championship is only eligible for promotion if their ground meets Premiership criteria - including the ability to host a crowd of 10,000.
No side has been promoted to the top flight since Saracens - who were relegated over salary cap infringements - won the Championship title in 2021.
Coventry chief executive and fellow Tier 2 Board member Nick Johnston said Gillham is a key appointment.
"Over the course of his 20-year involvement in French rugby he has seen Pro D2 develop substantially and has first-hand experience of the keys to that success will be of huge benefit to us.
"We look forward to him joining us as we gear up to a launch of the league for the 2025-26 season."
