At the Yorkshire RFU AGM meeting at Morley RFC on 26th July, Andy Proud was unanimously elected President of the Yorkshire RFU for 2023/24. Here's the speech he gave in accepting this honour.
Firstly, I would like to thank John for his sterling service last season, he will be a hard act to follow.
Secondly I would wish to thank the Yorkshire Committee who have proposed my election to this esteemed post. I had no inkling whatsoever that my name was being discussed and I deem it a great honour for me personally and my club, Ripon, to serve you the Yorkshire members for the coming season.
I am not aware of any of my predecessors having achieved these dizzy heights so I believe it is a first for the Ripon club and an honour for the North Yorkshire District.
I have though served many years as Ripon’s North Yorkshire representative and up until last season been Ripon’s fixture secretary for 43 years having come across many of you and your clubs in that time. It has been a pleasure doing so to meet the many people who have done that job throughout the years.
A number of you may also recognise my touch flag carrying for Ripon over the last 32 years, a task which I hope to continue into the foreseeable future along with my role as your Yorkshire President.
It is my intention to visit as many clubs as practicable and to watch as many matches as I can from Age Grade, Womens and Girls, and Adult Mens at all levels of the game. If you wish me to visit your particular Club or Representative XV, please contact me through the County Office who will be keeping my diary.
Many thanks to you all.