English Premiership rugby chief to step down

NEWS: Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs is to step down "over the coming weeks" it was announced Wednesday.

Childs joined the body that oversees top-flight club Rugby Union in England in August 2019.

His time in office coincided with a difficult period that saw the 2019/20 season halted for four months by the coronavirus pandemic.

Childs was also involved in the negotiation of a new four-year television deal that expires in 2024 and helped secure £88 million ($122 million) of British government support for clubs facing financial difficulties because of Covid-19.

Nevertheless, Premiership Rugby has faced criticism over the way it has dealt with player release requests from both Scotland as well as the British and Irish Lions.

"After a huge effort by the whole team, I'm pleased that we have managed to navigate the many challenges of Covid-19 and that Premiership Rugby is able to look ahead with real optimism," Childs said in a statement.

"While now is the right time for me to step back and focus on a wider range of business interests, I will remain a committed and enthusiastic supporter of club rugby as the sport completes its recovery and returns to growth in the years ahead."

Childs is now set to act as an advisor to CVC Capital Partners, the private equity firm that owns a 27 percent stake in the Premiership.