Wimbledon CEO Ian Ritchie resigns to join more-troubled Rugby Football Union – Tennis News
Ian Ritchie has stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of Wimbledon and takes a swift turn in his life to jump into Rugby. He has joined English Rugby and will head the Rugby Football Union, the most troubled sport in the
recent past of south-west London.
Ritchie had a splendid time at Lawn Tennis Association and considering his outstanding contribution in tennis, Rugby board thought that he can be the best replacement for the current leadership in order to overcome the turmoil
in English Rugby.
There were several documents that were leaked on the media that showed misbehaviour during the Rugby World Cup from the English team that proved to be the main reason for their disqualification from the tournament. They were cruising
as they moved into the last eight of the tournament but couldn’t control their temper and were disqualified for misconduct on and off the court.
Rugby Football Union was in constant looking out on individuals for the post of full-time CEO ever since John Steele resigned from the post in summer. It was not an easy task to find out a perfect candidate that could resolve the
mysterious issues at the union and bring back glory days to English Rugby.
Talking about his new post, Ritchie said, “I believe English rugby has a very bright future, culminating once-in-a-lifetime home World Cup in 2015.”
He is all confident to uproot all the hatred from the heart and collaborate with everyone including players to bring about a positive change that will diminish all the issues. He stated “I am determined to help rugby create a legacy
from the tournament that will benefit the sport for generations to come. The RFU has great commercial partners and a very sound financial base, underpinning the development of rugby union at grassroots and elite level."
Ritchie’s was the one that brought about several changes in the format of the game and other things that made the grand slam Wimbledon tournament, one of the best tournaments in the world, with coverage from all around the globe
and fan following in every continent.
Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Club, was also sad at losing such a talented individual but praised him for his work in the field of tennis. He said, “We will be sorry to lose Ian and in thanking him for his outstanding
contribution to Wimbledon, we wish him every success at the RFU."
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