The ABF is pleased to announce the appointment of Maurits van der Vlugt as our International Performance Director.

Maurits will lead the implementation of the ABF’s international performance strategy, working with players, coaches, captains and others across the bridge community to improve preparation and support for our representative pairs and teams. His work will also help bring our national teams closer to grass-roots players, creating opportunities for everyone to follow their progress, support them and benefit from their expertise.

We are also pleased to announce the formation of the International Performance Advisory Committee (IPAC), chaired by Marnie Leybourne, with Ian Thomson, David Wiltshire and Martin Doran as members.

IPAC will advise and support Maurits, the Executive Director and the ABF Board on the international performance program. Its work will include advice on selection processes, training and player development, international competition opportunities and resources for the program. The committee will provide a forum for discussing ideas, reviewing progress and helping keep the program focused on agreed priorities.

This is a shared effort, and we encourage the whole bridge community to get behind Maurits and the committee. If you have ideas, experience or suggestions that could help our representative players and teams, Maurits would welcome hearing from you at performance.director@abf.com.au.

Please join us in welcoming Maurits to the role. Together, let’s give our Australian teams the preparation, encouragement and support to perform at their best.

Posted in Latest News on October 12, 2026