Hugely respected wealth of experience as a major player in the sport’s administrative structures, the former Scottish Rugby and Six Nations Chairman was the sole candidate for the vacant position. He will serve as Vice-Chair for the remainder of the current term (through to November 2024).

Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont led the tributes: “I speak on behalf of my colleagues on the World Rugby Council in extending congratulations to John on his election.

“John takes his position at an exciting time for the sport as we seek to innovate on and off the field and grow beyond our traditional heartlands.

“As chair of several rugby committees, John has played a leading role in our momentum to date, championing the evolution of the game and bringing players, coaches and referees closer to the decision-making processes.

“As we look ahead to an exciting second half of the year with a men’s Rugby World Cup and the launch of WXV and the reimagined Sevens Series to look forward to, I am looking forward to working with John to progress an even better, more accessible and more attractive game for all.”

Jeffrey, who has served on World Rugby’s Council and governance structures since 2010, is passionate about advancing rugby’s on-field spectacle as well as enhancing the wellbeing and welfare of players at all levels of the game.

It is a passion that is evident in his current role of chair of the international federation’s Sevens High Performance Rugby Committee and in previous roles as chair of the Rugby Committee, Rugby Athletes’ Commission and Match Officials Selection Committee, where he was instrumental in placing the player and match official voice at the heart of decision-making regarding the future of the sport. He is relishing beginning the next chapter of his administrative career.

Jeffrey said: “I am honoured and excited to be elected World Rugby Vice-Chairman and would like to thank my Council colleagues for placing their faith in me. It is faith that I fully intend in repaying in getting to work in supporting Bill and the World Rugby team in continuing to deliver a bold and ambitious mandate to grow the sport, widen representation and make rugby all it can be.

“I am passionate about the game, its players, coaches and match officials and the sport’s ability to bring people and communities together. It is with that spirit that I hope to contribute to the big challenges and opportunities that face the game as we strive to make the sport even more relevant and exciting for young people to play and watch, while strengthening a sustainable business model.”

Jeffrey’s election as Vice-Chair in addition to the recent stepping down of Khaled Babbou following his retirement as Rugby Africa President creates two vacancies on World Rugby’s Executive Board. Nominations will be received by 19 May with the positions determined by a remote voting process in accordance with World Rugby’s Bye-Laws.