French rugby bigwig replaces Bill Sweeney as RFU rep on EPCR board

CEO of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) Jérémie Lecha has been appointed to the Board of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR).

He will represent both the FFR and England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Lecha replaces Chief Executive of the RFU Bill Sweeney, who completed a four-year term on the EPCR Board. Sweeney will remain involved as he moves into EPCR’s General Assembly.

It is an unusual arrangement, with a prominent French rugby official acting on behalf of both France and England at Europe’s top level.

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Lecha was named CEO of the FFR in April 2024. Under his leadership, France’s men’s and U20 squads each clinched Six Nations titles.

Before joining the FFR, Lecha served as Group CEO of the French agribusiness giant Groupe Roullier. During that tenure the company was praised by the European Commission and the French National Olympic and Sports Committee for championing sport in the workplace.

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay hailed Lecha’s appointment, calling him “deeply committed to the growth of rugby.”

He also highlighted Lecha’s passion for the game’s core values. “We are absolutely delighted Jérémie has accepted our invitation to join the Board,” McKay said.

Lecha described his nomination as an honour. He noted France’s storied involvement in EPCR competitions and pledged to represent both French and English interests with care. He views it as a pivotal responsibility.

The news arrives just as EPCR’s premier tournaments enter a critical stage. More than a million fans have already turned out for the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, suggesting a renewed interest in the competition.

Union Bordeaux-Bègles will face Stade Toulousain, while Leinster Rugby meet Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup. Lyon Olympique Universitaire face Racing 92, and Edinburgh Rugby tackle Bath Rugby in the Challenge Cup.

Both finals take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 23 and 24 May. The EPCR Challenge Cup Final comes first, followed by the Investec Champions Cup Final. It’s the 30th season of European professional club rugby, returning to the city that hosted the original final three decades ago.