RUGBY EUROPE APPOINTS JENS SKARE NIELSEN AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Rugby Europe is delighted to announce the appointment of Jens Aage Skare Nielsen as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the conclusion of a comprehensive and competitive international recruitment process.

Jens brings an impressive rugby experience, combining leadership at all levels of the game. He is a former Danish international player, with 28 caps for his country, having earned his first cap at 31. He has also been a club founder, volunteer and union president.

Alongside his rugby involvement, Jens brings more than 20 years of professional experience with A.P. Moller – Maersk, where he held senior roles across several areas of the Danish conglomerate. He also has experience in the Danish education system, both as a teacher and in leadership capacities.

His most recent executive position as Regional Partnership Manager at World Rugby has allowed him to gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing both emerging and established rugby nations in Europe.

Jens has served as Interim CEO of Rugby Europe for the past eight months, during which time he has provided organisational stability and has continued the progress across key strategic priorities. During this period, the Board of Directors has been able to directly assess his leadership approach, operational capability, and alignment with the organisation’s long-term vision.

As CEO, Jens will focus on driving the growth and development of the sport across Europe, with. the key aim of supporting member unions at all levels within the competition pyramid as well as strengthening the current structures.

A key priority will also be to further develop the collaboration with World Rugby and other stakeholders, in order to ensure greater alignment and maximise the impact of collective efforts across the region.

President of Rugby Europe, Janhein Pieterse, said: “We are delighted to confirm Jens as our full-time CEO following a thorough recruitment process. Over the past eight months, he has demonstrated strong leadership, clear strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the development of rugby across Europe. The Board and I are confident that Jens is the right person to lead Rugby Europe at this important moment for the game in our region.”

Jens Aage Skare Nielsen added, “It is a great honour to be appointed CEO of Rugby Europe. Having served in the interim, I have seen firsthand the strong potential across our member unions. I look forward to building on the progress made and working closely with our partners to grow the game, strengthen our structures, and create more opportunities for rugby in every part of Europe.”