Florian Grill

Florian Grill is the current President of the French Rugby Federation (FFR - Fédération Française de Rugby). He was elected to this position on June 14, 2023, after receiving 58.14% of the vote from French rugby clubs.14

Background and Career

Born on October 14, 1965, in Paris, Florian Grill is a 57-year-old French business executive and rugby union manager.2 He has a diverse background that combines his passion for entrepreneurship and rugby:

1. Business Leadership: Grill is the CEO and co-founder of CoSpirit, showcasing his entrepreneurial skills.3

2. Rugby Administration: Prior to his current role, Grill served as the president of the Île-de-France regional rugby league from 2017 to 2023.2

Election to FFR Presidency

Grill's election as FFR President marked a significant change in French rugby governance:

• He defeated FFR vice-president Patrick Buisson in the election.1
• His victory ended Alexandre Martinez's tenure as Acting President, who had taken over temporarily after Bernard Laporte's resignation.1
• Grill will serve an 18-month mandate until the end of 2024, completing Laporte's second term.1

Vision and Approach

As the new FFR President, Grill faces several challenges and opportunities:

• World Cup Leadership: He will lead France through its hosting of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.1
• Governance Reform: Grill has been associated with the Ovale Ensemble collective, which has long advocated for changes in FFR's governance.1
• Collaboration: The French National Rugby League (NRL) has expressed hope for increased cooperation between institutions under Grill's leadership.1

Florian Grill's election comes at a crucial time for French rugby, as he takes over following a period of controversy surrounding the previous administration. His business acumen and rugby management experience position him to lead the FFR through important events and potential reforms in the coming years.