Pelous joins committee of IRB

FABIEN PELOUS has been co-opted onto the International Rugby Board as a member of the Rugby Committee.

The former French second-row, who won a record 118 caps including 42 as captain, is one of three new additions to the Rugby Committee alongside Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White and leading Women’s Rugby administrator Carol Isherwood.

Toulouse stalwart Pelous, who retired from first class rugby last season, also performed an assistant coach role with France A, and his appointment was welcomed by IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Pelous, who won the International Rugby Press Association award for services to the game will attend his first IRB meeting in Dublin in October.

He said: “I have enjoyed a wonderful career in rugby as a player and captain and joining the IRB Rugby Committee will give me a fantastic opportunity to pass on the knowledge I have gained.”

The IRB rugby committee comprises members Graham Mourie (Chairman), Chris Le Fevre (Canada), Bill Nolan (Scotland), John O’Neill (Australia), David Pickering (Wales) and Pat Whelan (Ireland).