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Brittle crumbles

Ex-police chief takes over as RFU chairman

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Posted: Monday July 20, 1998 10:01 AM

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Former police chief Brian Baister stepped into one of the hottest seats in rugby union Sunday when he was elected chairman of the English RFU's management board ahead of incumbent Cliff Brittle 520-345.

Brittle was forced to step down after 30 stormy months in charge of the RFU and now Baister, 58, takes over with a pledge to improve the union's image with organizations it has riled during his predecessor's time in office.

Baister says he intends "to restore relations with the International Board, the Five Nations, the European Cup organizers, the England management, the clubs, sponsors and TV companies.

"We are in dispute with all of them," he said.

The RFU management has been in disarray since the game in England went pro three years ago and Brittle, described as dictatorial by some members, was accused of blocking moves by clubs, sponsors and TV companies to upgrade the game.

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