Simon Gillham OBE Takes Helm of Tier 2 Board to Lead Rugby’s Next Generation

On 11th November, Simon Gillham OBE was appointed as Chair of the new Tier 2 Board, a key development in the effort to elevate the second tier of men’s rugby in England. With his appointment taking effect immediately, Simon is set to steer the board’s efforts to grow the game’s visibility, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen the league’s commercial presence.

A New Vision for English Rugby’s Second Tier

The newly formed Tier 2 Board, comprising senior representatives from the RFU and Tier 2 clubs, aims to drive the growth and transformation of the second level of men’s professional rugby. This move aligns with ongoing efforts by the RFU, Championship Club Committee, and Premiership Rugby to reshape Tier 2, creating a platform to nurture young English talent and help clubs establish financial stability through growing local fan bases and adding value to the league.

In a statement about his new role, Simon expressed enthusiasm and confidence in the future of the Championship. “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Tier 2 Board,” he said. “During discussions and observations of recent weeks I have been very impressed by the standards of Championship Rugby both on and off the rugby field.”

A Wealth of Experience in Rugby and Business

With over 20 years in French professional rugby, Simon brings deep industry insight and international experience. His career includes extensive involvement with CA Brive, where he became the first non-French President in the Top 14 and Pro D2. While there, he served as shareholder, administrator, and President, and has been part of various committees and working groups for European professional rugby. Currently, Simon holds the role of Vice President at Brive, following his departure as President in June 2024.

Beyond rugby, Simon’s business acumen is marked by his previous roles on the Vivendi Management Board and as Chairman of Vivendi Village. He has overseen operations at Vivendi Ticketing (See Tickets), Olympia Production, and U-Live, as well as managing sponsorships with international brands, including a major partnership for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His involvement in media rights negotiations, including those for Canal+ and LNR, further underscores his extensive background in sports commercialisation.

Driving Forward – Raising Standards in Tier 2

Simon’s ambitions for the Tier 2 Board focus on raising standards through targeted talent development, strengthening infrastructure, and prioritising financial discipline. “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 said. “This will involve talent and infrastructure development, strict financial discipline, a vibrant promotion/relegation system, and raised visibility through media and sponsorship agreements.”

With Simon’s leadership, the Tier 2 Board is set to work closely with rugby stakeholders across the country to develop a second-tier system that supports both player development and club sustainability, establishing a strong foundation for the future of English rugby.