13 June 2005
Jean-Pierre Lux has been re-elected as ERC Chairman for a further two years. ERC are the organisers of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup club rugby tournaments.

The 59-year-old Dax dentist has held the top post since 1999 when he was elected to the position in the wake of the Paris Accord.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to continue as ERC Chairman," said the former French centre who scored 11 tries in his 47 Tests.

"We have made immense progress since ERC was established in the summer of 1995 on the initiative of the then Five Nations Committee in order to provide a new level of professional cross border competition.

"What gives me the greatest satisfaction is the fact that all six countries, and particularly France, now regard the Heineken Cup as the highest tournament in which their teams compete.

"The fact that so many leading players from the southern hemisphere want to play in the tournament and then speak so highly of the competition is further proof of the stature the Heineken Cup now commands across Europe.

"As to the future, my hope is that teams from Wales, Scotland and Italy consistently make an impact in the knock-out stages.

"In 2004 we had teams from five nations - England, France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland - in the quarter-finals and that was great for everyone concerned.

"But for the good of European club rugby we need more nations regularly represented in the last eight."

In addition to his duties as Chairman and an ERC Board member, he is vice-president of Ligue Nationale de Rugby, in charge of the game's Management Committee and responsible to the Commission Sportive.

JEAN-PIERRE LUX FACTFILE
DoB: 09/01/46
Playing career: Tyrosse (seven seasons); Dax (seven seasons)
Position: Centre
Caps for France: 47
Tries for France: 11
Points for France: 38
First cap: 1967 v England, (Twickenham)
Last cap: 1975 v Wales (Parc des Princes)
Profession: Dentist in Dax since 1975
Lives: Seyresse (small village outside Dax)