On Tuesday at our largest ever AGM with over a hundred members in attendance we not only launched LI2030 but by unanimous approval appointed Jamie Balls MBE as the new Chair of London Irish Amateur RFC, welcome back Jamie!
Over the last two decades Jamie has contributed in a wide variety of ways to the club. It all started when he led a Combined Services team to play at The Avenue around 2005. This led to an invitation by the then Chair John Gilligan and the late Alex Newberry to stay with us and coach the Geese. Under Jamie’s leadership the team powered up the leagues from regional to national level – all of this was based on a clear vision, determination, discipline and collective belief. These will be the key building blocks of LI2030
One of the other aspects of our new Chair is his passion for inclusivity something which is dear to my heart also. Jamie co-led the RFU Women and Girls Leadership Programme during two pivotal years, contributing to the sport’s professionalisation and a surge in grassroots participation. He supported London Irish Amateurs’ bid for professional status and remains a dedicated advocate for the continued rise of the Emeralds.
Jamie has also contributed extensively to English rugby and was part of the RFU’s Coach Education Programme as a Coach Trainer. In that role he qualified over 500 Level One and Two coaches across southern England and facilitated Continuous Professional Development sessions for many coaches at club, county, and national levels. He was later appointed to be one of the RFU’s few Leadership Tutors, supporting the strategic development of grassroots rugby, both on and off the field, across numerous Constituent Bodies and within many clubs. He’s also supported wider club development projects with organisations such as Bournemouth RFC and Pewsey RFC, advancing facility development, commercial growth, and inclusive participation.
Outside of rugby Jamie is a retired armed forces leader with 36 years of service. Post his service he co-founded The Armed Forces Equine Charity, which focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of the Armed Forces community through equine-assisted therapy. He continues as the CEO of the charity. He also runs JBB Consultancy Limited, providing consultancy services from leadership and management advice to public, private, and third-sector organizations.
Jamie’s philosophy, shaped by his military principles, centres on the belief that people and purpose are paramount: “The moral component is to the physical and conceptual as three is to one.” For him, leadership means unlocking potential in others — aligning perfectly with London Irish’s “One Club” ethos and the club’s vision for LI2030.
Having discussed LI2030 with Jamie we are in lock step on the need for such and in the months ahead there is little doubt that he will bring his not inconsiderable influence to bear across the entire club. In particular he is keen to champion mini and youth development through club-wide training and individual coaching support, laying strong foundations for future generations of players and leaders.
Jamie’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time for our club. We’ve never had a greater need for strong rugby leadership, and I’m confident his homecoming will bring tremendous benefits. I hope you’ll join me in offering him our full support in the months ahead.

Chris Kane
President