New Rugby Roles For Morel & Calveley

Former NBA Europe chief Ben Morel has been named as the new CEO of Six Nations Rugby.

The appointment was approved by the Six Nations Council, following what the organisation describes as “an extensive and robust search and selection process.”

The Franco-Briton was reportedly the unanimous choice of a recruitment panel led by Six Nations chairman Pat Whelan, who said: “Ben was the outstanding candidate during our extensive recruitment process. 

“His vast experience, in particular his background in the NBA will serve as a great benefit to our Championship. It is a very exciting time for the Six Nations as we look to build on the record statistics we have achieved in recent years. 

“We are certain that his expertise, with that of our staff and executive team, will help in continuing to grow the brand of Six Nations Rugby which is loved by millions of fans across the globe.”

Morel stepped down from his role as NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East in May, following a 20-year career with the league.

Over seven years as EMEA managing director, he oversaw considerable growth in the NBA’s regional broadcast presence and popularity.

In particular, he was instrumental in delivering new broadcast partnerships with Perform, beIN Sports in France and the Middle East, and Movistar in Spain, as well as the introduction of the first-ever regular-season games in Europe.

Morel, who first joined the NBA as part of the league’s merchandise group at its Paris headquarters in 1998, describes himself as a lifelong rugby fan, whose French father and Anglo-Scottish mother raised him with a love of the sport.

Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “I am relishing the role of CEO at the Six Nations, an organisation with so much history and prestige. It is particularly exciting to be part of the organisation that delivers Rugby’s Greatest Championship to an audience of millions across Europe and in over 180 countries around the World. 

“I am looking forward to working with the Six Nations Council and staff on delivering a truly world class event.”

Morel’s appointment, which will come into effect in November, follows news of Ben Calvely’s move from Six Nations Rugby to become the first full-time managing director of the British & Irish Lions.

Calvely is currently serving as COO of Six Nations Rugby, on secondment from the Rugby Football Union, during which time he has also led the Lions’ executive team and staff.

In a statement, the Lions said Calveley had been the “unanimous choice of the Board” to take the role, which was deemed necessary following a post-tour strategic review of the 2017 series in New Zealand.

Lions’ chairman Tom Grace commented: “Ben brings strong experience to our organisation from his background in the RFU in particular, and we are confident that he will bring the Lions to the next level of growth and strength.”

Prior to his RFU role, Calveley served as head of corporate and international relations at UK Sport.