Australian Rugby Union Chairman Peter McGrath today thanked former Wallabies forward Mark Connors for his valuable and long standing contribution as a director on the ARU Board.
Mr Connors will step down at the Annual General Meeting in Sydney on April 27 having completed his term as the Rugby Union Players Association appointment to the nine-man ARU Board.
RUPA has confirmed former Wallabies captain and the game's most capped international player, George Gregan AM, will join the Board as the Association's nomination.
Mr Gregan's elevation to the Board will take effect following the ARU AGM.
"I want to extend my personal thanks and those of my other directors for the outstanding contribution Mark Connors has made over the past five years," said Mr McGrath.
"His knowledge and insights on the playing side of the game, combined with the business acumen he has brought to the table, has made him a valued member of the Board.
"I would also like to congratulate George on his imminent appointment to the Board. He is one of the most decorated players in the history of our game.
"No player from any country has made more Test appearances - winning 139 international caps from 1994 to 2007.
"George was part of the successful Rugby World Cup team in 1999 and captained the Wallabies to the final in 2003.
"He has played in winning Bledisloe Cup sides and was part of the back to back Tri Nations triumphs in 2000 and 2001.
"George has also established himself as a successful businessman post-Rugby so is ideally placed to make a further and important contribution to Australian Rugby in the years ahead."
Gregan joins three other former Wallabies on the ARU Board - 1999 World Cup winning captain John Eales, Michael Hawker and Brett Robinson.
