Bath prop Barnes is new PRA chairman

Bath prop David Barnes has been appointed the new chairman of the Professional Rugby Players' Association.

The new PRA Chairman: David Barnes

Barnes, who was voted in ahead of fellow nominee Tim Stimpson, replaces Pat Sanderson, the Worcester and England flanker who stood down after two years in the role.

"I am honoured to be voted chairman and that my fellow professionals have the confidence in me to move the PRA forward over the foreseeable future," said Barnes.

"I look forward to working closely with the team in the office as well as Pat who will have valuable advice from his previous experience as chairman and Tim Stimpson who was also nominated.

"I will be looking to continue the good work that all the representatives do at their clubs already in making the players aware of the PRA and hopefully I can help in continuing to grow the PRA and the services it offers to its members."

Barnes takes over at a difficult time in the professional game with the players caught in the middle of the on-going row between the clubs and the Rugby Football Union.

PRA chief executive Damian Hopley believes the players must play a key role in breaking the deadlock.

"I am delighted David has accepted the position of chairman and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming year," said Hopley.

"Protecting the players' interests is vital at this time of ongoing uncertainty within the game.

"The PRA is dedicated to ensuring the members' voice is prominent on all player related issues and David will be a fantastic figurehead for the organisation."

Barnes was voted in by the PRA management board, which contains a representative from each of the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs.

Sanderson remains on the board as Worcester's representative.