Millar takes over top rugby post

IRELAND’S Syd Millar was honoured yesterday when elected unopposed as chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB) which governs the sport worldwide.

The former Ireland prop, Lions coach and manager took over as acting chairman of the Dublin- based organisation after the death of Vernon Pugh in April.

He will head the IRB for the next three years.

“When I took over as acting chairman after Vernon Pugh’s death I made it very clear that I was not seeking the role as chairman of the IRB,” Millar said in a statement after his election at an interim council meeting “However, I would like to thank the council for its support during the past year and for its confidence going forward into the future,” he added.

Silas Nkanunu of South Africa was named as the new vice-chairman, a post which had been vacant following the resignation of New Zealander Rob Fisher last year.