President Robinson

President Robinson

3 August 2022

BALLYNAHINCH Rugby Football Club stalwart John Robinson has been awarded the most prestigious position in Irish Rugby by being elected president of the Irish Rugby Football Union.

John is the 133rd person to take up the role but makes history for his beloved Ballynahinch club by being their first representative to be elected to Irish Rugby’s highest office.

“It is a huge privilege to be elected president of the IRFU,” said John.

“I have been involved in rugby from a volunteer capacity for a great many years and I am honoured to follow the many presidents of the IRFU that I have admired over the years.”

The Ballynahinch club also expressed their delight at John’s monumental new role.

“We at Ballynahinch are delighted to see a member of our club holding the highest office in rugby on this island,” said a club statement.

“John was a hard-working volunteer for many years at Ballymacarn Park and was only the second ‘Hinch man to serve as Ulster branch president. 

“That he has now reached the top job is testament to his ability, commitment and drive and we wish him all the best in his year of office.”

During his time with Ulster Rugby, John held several positions including treasurer, chair of the finance committee and member of the branch committee, management committee, nominations committee, stadium development committee as well as the professional game board.

John was first appointed to the IRFU committee in 2014 and is a member of the management committee, the rugby committee, chair of the women’s advisory group, chair of the club loans committee and member of finance and remuneration committees.

He was previously chair of the age grade committee and a member of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 advisory committee.

A qualified accountant, John worked for many years in the clothing and textiles industry but spent the last 19 years of his working life as director of services within Methodist College.

The newly appointed president is also a proud family man and credits much of his success to his wife Lynne and daughter, Jan. 

John and Lynne’s son, Neil, passed away in 1998 from a rare form of cancer and he is dearly missed by the entire family.

“Volunteering in sport is extremely rewarding and it is only possible with the support of an understanding family, and I want to thank Lynne and Jan for their support over the years,” said John.

“I look forward to the year ahead and thank all the delegates that put their faith in me to represent them as the 133rd President of the Irish Rugby Football Union. I am privileged to do so.”