McConnell to Leave IRB Head of Rugby World Cup Post to Become IOC Sports Director

Kit McConnell is to leave the International Rugby Board (IRB) as their Head of Rugby World Cup to join the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

McConnell, clinic 40, unhealthy will become the IOC’s new Sports Director after 10 years in his current role at the IRB, a time period that has included the delivery of three Rugby World Cups.

The New Zealander will replace Christophe Dubi, who will become the IOC’s Executive Director of the Olympics.

Dubi is set to take over from Gilbert Felli who will retire from his post after the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

McConnell said: “It has been a wonderful 10 years at the IRB and it has been an honour and a privilege to have worked alongside so many talented and dedicated people to help deliver some very special Rugby World Cups in Australia, France and New Zealand that have played a major part in the growth and profile of Rugby worldwide.

“These are exciting times for Rugby World Cup and Rugby and I am sure I am leaving with the foundations firmly in place to ensure that England 2015 is an exceptional success on and off the field.”

McConnell will begin his new post with the IOC early in the 2014 after overseeing a transitional process within the IRB’s Rugby World Cup department.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset added: “Kit has achieved much during his 10 years at the IRB. He has played a major role in helping Rugby World Cup go from strength to strength.

“We are once again on track to achieve our aim of breaking new markets, attracting record audiences and cementing our showcase event amongst the biggest and most successful major global sports events.”

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