JIM Darragh has been co-opted as the new chairman of playing at Basingstoke RFC.

The position has been open since last summer, when Richard Fitzpatrick stepped down. Darragh has already taken up the role and his position will be ratified at the club’s annual general meeting in the summer.

Darragh had a distinguished playing career, turning out for Richmond and Newbury. He has two sons who currently play in Basingstoke’s junior section.