International Rugby Board Chairman Dr Syd Millar has been awarded the prestigious Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his immense contribution to the game and for overseeing the delivery of the most successful Rugby World Cup to date.
The decoration, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to
reward both soldiers and civilians for exceptional merit or bravery, is France's
highest honour. Dr Millar was informed about the accolade in Paris
during Rugby World Cup 2007.
Dr Millar, who will stand down as Chairman of the game’s world governing body in December, said that he accepted the decoration on behalf of all Rugby World Cup 2007 staff.
“It is a huge honour to be given such a prestigious award and it very much appreciated. However, I feel that I am accepting the Legion d’Honneur on behalf of all of the IRB and Rugby World Cup personnel who worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France. It was a memorable and ultimately successful tournament that will be remembered as the most successful in Rugby World Cup’s 20-year history.
“We value our traditions and history in rugby that are based on fair play, loyalty and friendship. Such characteristics came to the fore during the tournament and I would like to publicly thank the people of France for their tremendous support of the tournament. They volunteered by the thousands and turned up in their millions at the stadiums. The France 2007 Organising Committee were exceptional in their delivery of key programmes and I would also personally like to thank them for all of their hard work over the past four years,” added Dr Millar.
IRB Chief Executive Officer Mike Miller was quick to praise the significant contribution that Dr Millar has made in his capacity of IRB Chairman to the advancement of the game and Rugby World Cup.
“While Syd rightly praises the hard work of the IRB and RWCL teams, without his vision and leadership the huge advances made in Rugby in the last five years would not have been possible.”
“He personally ensured the modernisation of the IRB governance structure and the creation and delivery of the unprecedented US $50 million strategic initiatives which laid the foundations for the most competitive Rugby World Cup to date,” added Miller.
A formal acceptance ceremony will be arranged for Dr Millar’s family, friends and colleagues from the Game in his home town of Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
