Mark Darbon has been appointed chief government of the R&A and secretary of The Royal and Historic Golf Membership of St Andrews.
Darbon, 45, is leaving his job as chief government of rugby union aspect Northampton, who gained their first Premiership title since 2014 final month, to succeed Martin Slumbers and can formally start his new position in November.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be taking on these positions with The R&A and The Royal and Historic Golf Membership of St Andrews and to be transferring into golf, a sport I’ve at all times cherished,” Darbon stated.
“The R&A is a globally-renowned organisation and does a lot to make sure that golf prospers from grassroots by way of to the skilled sport.
“I’m wanting ahead to working with a vastly proficient workforce of workers, the membership membership and such a formidable array of accomplice organisations to realize much more success within the years to come back.”
Niall Farquharson, chairman of the R&A, stated: “We had been drastically impressed with Mark’s information and expertise of the worldwide sport trade and his capability to develop profitable groups and ship improbable occasions.
“We imagine he shall be a superb chief for The R&A and The Royal and Historic Golf Membership of St Andrews and can play a key position in serving to us to realize our purpose of making certain a affluent and sustainable future for golf.”
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In a separate press launch from Saints, Darbon stated: “Leaving Northampton Saints has been an extremely tough choice for me to make.
“Over the past seven years my household and I’ve cherished our time in Northampton and developed a ardour and attachment for Saints which can stick with us eternally.
“I’m very pleased with what we now have achieved throughout my tenure. Rugby has confronted some important challenges, however the membership is effectively positioned to proceed to achieve success into the longer term, on and off the pitch, while remaining on the centre of our local people in Northampton.
“My household and I’ll stay very near the membership as followers, and I am delighted to be staying on in some capability at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens by remaining on the board as a non-executive director.”
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