New IRFU president looks forward to challenges

John Lyons assumes the office as 121st President of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) at the annual council meeting in the Ballsbridge Court Hotel this evening.

An accountant, from Sandycove, Co Dublin, Lyons was educated at CBC Monkstown and is a member of the Bective Rangers club since 1956.

"I am very honoured to assume the office as President of the IRFU, not alone for myself and my family, but also for my club Bective Rangers," said Lyons.

"This is a very challenging period in the history of the Union as we enter a season with a new coach and management team and many excellent up and coming young players blending with the more experienced ones.

"The year ahead also offers further great challenges to our professional provincial teams, including the defence of the Heineken European Cup by Munster and the Magners League title by Leinster.

"All the while, of course, the Union remains steadfast in its determination to ensure the development and welfare of the game at grassroots level and to the objective of advancing the status of our clubs I am fully committed."