Jake replaced on IRB panel

London - New Zealand coach Graham Henry has replaced South Africa's Jake White on the highly influential International Rugby Board panel.

White has stepped down after three years on the committee due to the demands of his coaching commitments with Australian outfit, the Brumbies, and Henry, who led the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup glory on home soil last year, has agreed to join the governing body's rugby committee.

The body plays a key role in recommending policy regarding players' welfare, the laws, playing trends and coaching techniques.

"Rugby is a sport that is constantly evolving on and off the field and with that come challenges," said former Wales boss Henry, who has been voted IRB coach of the year five times.

"As a coach I have experienced the evolution first hand. I am now looking forward to using my experience to continue to contribute to the game through the committee."