The IRFU has appointed Seán Brassil as General Counsel, strengthening its senior leadership team at a time of growing commercial complexity and regulatory scrutiny in elite sport.

Brassil steps into the role after more than a decade working at the heart of Irish rugby’s legal and commercial evolution. Having joined the IRFU in 2015 from private practice as a barrister, he has been closely involved in many of the most significant structural changes in the professional game, combining deep legal expertise with an understanding of rugby’s wider stakeholder landscape.

His work has spanned governance, employment law and commercial negotiations, including the development of the Union’s first collective agreement for professional players in 2017. That agreement marked a major step in formalising the relationship between players and the governing body, aligning Irish rugby with best practice across leading professional sports.

Brassil has also played a central role in advising on the introduction of professional contracts for female players, a milestone in the growth of the women’s game in Ireland. More recently, he led negotiations on behalf of the IRFU regarding the newly established Nations Championship tournament, underscoring the Union’s active role in shaping the future commercial structures of international rugby.

In his new position, Brassil will lead the IRFU’s legal function, advising the Board and executive team on strategic legal issues while supporting the organisation’s continued focus on governance, compliance and commercial sustainability. The appointment reflects the increasing importance of in-house legal leadership as governing bodies navigate media rights, competition structures, employment frameworks and regulatory change.

Announcing the appointment, IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts highlighted Brassil’s impact behind the scenes, noting that he has been “central to some of our most important commercial and regulatory work in recent years.” Potts added that Brassil’s expertise and commitment to the game make him “exceptionally well-placed” to lead the legal team as Irish rugby pursues its long-term strategic ambitions.

“My focus now is ensuring we maintain the highest standards of governance while capitalising on the commercial opportunities ahead,” said Brassil, signalling the balance that will define the role as rugby continues to professionalise and globalise.

 

Image Credit: IRFU

 

 

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