Gregan joins ARU board

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ABC Grandstand Sport

George Gregan will join three other former Wallabies, John Eales, Michael Hawker and Brett Robinson, on the board of the Australian Rugby Union.


The game's most-capped international player will replace fellow Wallaby great Mark Connors as the Rugby Union Players Association's (RUPA) nominee on the ARU board.
Connors has stepped aside after serving as the association's representative since 2007.


ARU chairman Peter McGrath thanked former Wallabies forward Mark Connors for his valuable and long-standing contribution as a director on the nine-man board.
Connors will step down at the annual general meeting in Sydney on April 27 and Gregan's elevation will take effect following the AGM.


Gregan played 139 matches for the Wallabies and a record 136 games for the Brumbies, and has established himself as a successful businessman post-football.


"The RUPA Board has spent considerable time discussing the best past player to be nominated for this position on the Board steering the game and we were unanimous that George was the most-credentialed and experienced candidate," RUPA chief Greg Harris said.


"Not many players gain simultaneous applause about their achievements on the field and also their career success post-rugby.


"George's unique understanding of the game and the players, matched with his unquestionable business acumen, make him a very valuable asset for Australian rugby."


McGrath said Gregan was ideally placed to make a valuable contribution to Australian rugby going forward.


"He is one of the most-decorated players in the history of our game," he said.