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Thomas extends England stay
Staying in office: Thomas excited for England
England Rugby Football Union Chairman Martyn Thomas has had his potential term of office extended to July 2011.
Subject to a yearly re-election, Thomas was due to finish next summer after four years in office following his appointment in April 2005.
However, Sunday's RFU Annual General Meeting at Twickenham passed a resolution that the Chairman, who also heads up the new Professional Game Board, could be re-elected in up to a six-year term.
And RFU Management Board member John Owen, who was himself elected Senior Vice-President, proposed the resolution.
"It is widely recognised within the game that Martyn Thomas has carried out his duties in an exemplary manner particularly in relation to the protracted negotiations between the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby Ltd," Owen said.
"I am looking forward to continuing working with him on the Management Board."
The resolution brings Thomas' re-election schedule in line with other RFU Council members on the Management Board.
"This is an exciting time for the game in England, both at the elite level with the new eight-year agreement with the clubs and grassroots campaigns to increase participation such as Play On," Thomas explained.
"I am grateful to the Game for giving me the opportunity to continue working on their behalf to make England a world leader at all levels of the sport."
