Potts elected to top role in RFU

Telford Hornets rugby stalwart Stuart Potts has become Shropshire's first-ever representative on the national RFU Council.

The North Midlands President's appointment was confirmed a committee meeting this week and he will attend his first RFU Council later this month.

Potts' election will see him join the council which controls the structure of the game in England - from grass-roots players to England's World Cup heroes.

While the current Shropshire president, who lives in Telford, is aware he will not have a say on the selection of Brian Ashton's side for a while, he is hoping to see them reap the rewards of that unexpected run to the final.

He said: "Planning for the 2011 World Cup started on the Sunday morning after this year's final and that is paramount as to where we go.

"Winning the World Cup in 2003 was great and Telford and Oswestry received a lot of coverage when the Webb Ellis trophy was flown to Cosford and went on tour.

"It was great that we got to the final of this year's World Cup, but we have appeared in three finals.

"We lost two, against Australia and now South Africa, so we have to rebuild and focus on going forward.

"That is our shop window and when the national team are doing well, more people are playing and interested in the game."

Potts' initial brief, however, is to work on the structure of the grass-roots game and he is determined to help local sides at all levels.

He said: "We all have one aim - that is the success of the game and increasing the number of players.

"Rugby will never be as popular as football and we will never command the same crowds - there are no illusions about that.

"But people enjoy playing and we do what we can to increase people playing the sport."

He added:"My initial thoughts are guided towards helping to develop the community game."

Potts also remains committed to a Telford side which he first coached in the mid-1980s and he said he has no intention of moving away.

"I will never not be part of local rugby, especially Telford."

"It is a great honour to represent Telford and it is the first time Shropshire has had a representative on the RFU Council."

By James Shaw