Bob Taylor
President's Statement
I am a strong believer that rugby is the best team game in the world, with the scope to satisfy all who choose to play
I am very grateful to everyone for electing me president of the Rugby Football Union in this Rugby World Cup year and for the considerable support afforded me in all the years of my involvement in rugby football. As I took up office the RFU officially launched its Go Play Rugby initiative, to which many county constituent bodies and clubs have committed a lot of time and effort. I very much support the aim of persuading adult players not currently playing to come back to the game. My predecessors have introduced or encouraged initiatives in support of our volunteers which I am delighted to continue, in particular, the constituent body ‘Value the Volunteer’ invites to international matches at Twickenham, which will be extended to include outstanding members of county Constituent Body committees. I am very happy to follow two Northampton club players well remembered as presidents of the RFU. Dicky Jeeps and Ron Jacobs were great players and equally great administrators. Both had a big influence on me. They taught me to accept that not everyone holds the same view point as you, but that is no reason to fall out with a fellow rugby enthusiast. I am delighted that as I write the relationship between the Rugby Football Union and our Premier clubs has improved to the extent that a resolution of outstanding issues is close.
We all derive great enjoyment from this great game of ours. My pleasure comes from the continuing support and friendship I receive from colleagues on the RFU Council, my committee colleagues on the East Midlands Rugby Union, the many players who have become lifelong friends, and the tremendous support given to me by my wife Carol and my family of Andrew, Caroline and Elizabeth. I am a strong believer that rugby is the best team game in the world, with the scope to satisfy all who choose to play. We know that there are challenges to be met in taking the game forward but do not shy away from them. We have, over the past year, lost many great men of rugby across the country, among them Privilege Members Stanley Oswin, Dr Leon Walkden and Alan Stevens, also the RFU’s senior past president Geoff Butler. Added to these losses is that of Don White, the first England coach and my guide and mentor throughout my rugby playing career. Like them, let's work together to maintain the standards and traditions we cherish and most important of all let’s enjoy ourselves as we go about our endeavours.
Bob Taylor
President