Rugby chief Pugh dies
International Rugby Board president Vernon Pugh, from Wales. The global governing body announced 25 April 2003 that Pugh died 24 April 2003. Pugh, 57, had a cancerous tumour removed from one of his kidneys in September. AFP PHOTO/Gabriel BOUYS
DUBLIN (AFP) International Rugby Board (IRB) chairman Vernon Pugh has died, the global governing body announced Friday.
Pugh, 57, had a cancerous tumour removed from one of his kidneys in September and died on Thursday.
Syd Millar, who had been deputising for Pugh in the Welshman's absence, said: "It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you that Vernon Pugh QC, our Chairman, sadly died last night.
"As you know, he had been ill for sometime and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and many friends."
Pugh, a lawyer by profession,
became one of rugby union's most influential administrators and
will be best remembered for being at the helm of the sport when
the game went professional.
A centre with Cardiff High School Old Boys, Pugh made his name
as a commercial advocate but remained involved with rugby and
in 1993 was elected as chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
Such was the mark he made there that the IRB made him their first independent chairman in 1996, having previously presided over its amateurism committee, which paved the way for professionalism.
Under Pugh, Italy came into the Six Nations and he also played a role in setting up the European Cup.
But not all his plans came to fruition, with the proposed northern-southern hemisphere match being abandoned following pressure from the unions and players involved.
And he was highly influential in the controversial decision to strip New Zealand of their co-host status at this year's World Cup, a move that ensured Australia would stage this October's tournament by themselves.
Paying tribute, current WRU chairman Glanmor Griffiths said: "The name of Vernon Pugh will forever be etched into the history of Welsh rugby for his many achievements in a brilliant career with the WRU.
"He presided over a difficult period in Welsh rugby, but was instrumental in creating new wealth for our game via TV and sponsorship deals and gave Wales a powerful and authoritative voice on the Five Nations and IRB committees.
"He had a brilliant mind and a great love for rugby. He will be sorely missed by the rugby world, but especially here in Wales."
Pugh is survived by his wife, Dorinda, and their three daughters.