IRFU Extend Sympathies On The Death Of Vernon Pugh.

Mr. D. M. Crowley, President, has issued the following statement on behalf of the I.R.F.U.

The Irish Rugby Football Union learned with great regret of the
untimely death of Mr. Vernon Pugh QC, the current Chairman of the International Rugby Board in his beloved Wales on 24th April, 2003. Mr. Pugh was a
member of the IRB Council since 1993 and in 1996 became the first independent Chairman to be elected by the members.

Mr Pugh was instrumental in overseeing the successful transition of the amateur game to the open game.

While always conscious of the
importance of the major rugby playing nations, he was equally aware of the importance of the development of the game on a world wide basis, and was responsible for establishing regional structures throughout the world. This is best
reflected by the increase in the numbers of members of the I.R.B from 67 in 1996 to the current number of 96 in 2003.

He made a major contribution to overcoming the difficulties
experienced in establishing the Six Nations Championship in the early stages of the open game and in 1995, was the first Chairman of the highly successful European Rugby Cup Ltd.

He was greatly admired by the Irish Rugby Football Union, and his presence not only in Ireland but also throughout World Rugby will be sadly missed.

Our sympathies go out particularly to his wife Darinda, his daughters and other members of his family.