While still a player, Lyne took a clear interest in the affairs of Welsh rugby; and on his retirement from play, began applying for administrative posts. In 1887, Lyne and WRU secretary
Richard Mullock became the Welsh representatives to the
International Board, the body set up to regulate the sport in Britain. Lyne served on the board of the IB, which later became the International Rugby Board, from 1887 to 1938. He was in demand as an administrator, and was known to be very fair-minded. He was also a progressive thinker, and voiced concerns about the North of England breaking away from the IRB years before the formation of
rugby league. As the chair of the Welsh Football Union, he met with
Neath secretary
Walter E. Rees, with whom he later ran the WRU for near four decades. In 1892, Lyne was elected one of four vice-presidents of the WRU, with joint responsibilities for Cardiff and the East area. During the same meeting, Mullock, who was extremely unpopular with the Welsh rugby clubs, was replaced as secretary by
William Gwynn. In 1906, Lyne replaced
Sir John T. Llewellyn as the President of the Welsh Rugby Union—a role he held until 1947, making him the longest serving president. He was succeeded by Sir
David Rocyn-Jones. Lyne was also the Chairman of Newport Athletic Club from 1894 to 1949. He was the uncle of the Welsh field hockey Olympian
Robert Lyne. == Bibliography ==