Chris Booy to become Chairman of PGB

Premiership Rugby’s candidate for nomination, Booy replaces His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, who steps down from his two-year term as PGB Chairman at the end of July. 

The PGB was formed in 2008 out of the Professional Game Agreement between the RFU and Premiership Rugby and the individual clubs. Its remit is to monitor and manage all issues to do with playing professional rugby in England, ranging from season structure to player welfare.  

Booy has been involved with Bristol Rugby (now Bristol Bears) for 15 years, including being appointed Chairman in March 2009. He has experienced Premiership and Championship rugby, serving as representative to the RFU Council for the latter from 2004 to 2008.

He chaired the South West Regional Activation and Legacy Group, one of a number of groups established to support the RFU in its aim to deliver a strong and effective legacy beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Recently, Booy has also chaired the PGB’s Match Officials’ Board to further the joint work on referee performance and assessment.

A renowned figure in the construction industry, Booy built the Symonds Group into one of the most successful construction consultancy businesses in the UK, until selling it to the Capita Group in early 2004. He was awarded the OBE for services to the Ministry of Defence in 1996.

Chris Booy said: “I am delighted and very honoured to be chosen to chair the PGB. Rugby has been a passion of mine for many, many years. I am very much looking forward to working with all those at the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the Greene King IPA Championship and the RPA to continue the great work already being done to strengthen the English professional game and England teams.”

Outgoing PGB Chairman HH Judge Jeff Blackett added: “Chris is an excellent choice. I am delighted with his appointment and looking forward to handing over the reins to him.”