Bill Beaumont elected as World Rugby chairman

Former England captain Bill Beaumont has been unanimously elected as the chairman of World Rugby following an election in Dublin.

Beaumont will replace French rugby administrator Bernard Lapasset whose second term in the top post ends in 2016.Apart from Beaumont, former Argentina scrum-half Agustín Pichot has been elected as the vice-chairman and both the officials are expected to take up their roles with effect from 1st July.

After retiring from the game in 1982 on medical ground, Beaumont represented England on the International Rugby Board since 1999 and was elected as chairman of Rugby Football Union in 2012.

The 64-year-old has also worked with the World Rugby previously as a vice-chairman between 2007 and 2012.

Having made his international debut for England in 1975, Beaumont made 34 appearances for his country and went on to captain 21 times.

Describing it as an honor to take up the role, Beaumont credited outgoing chairman Lapasset for the success he had in the development of the game.

Beaumont also assured he will be working in close quarters will the unions and ensure there is proper growth going forward in all facets of the game.

"I am honoured to accept the mandate of council to serve as World Rugby chairman at what is an exciting and pivotal time for the sport," said Beaumont, who will serve a four-year term.

"Rugby has experienced significant and rapid growth, which is a credit to Bernard Lapasset and his leadership over the past eight years.

"The sport is in excellent health, and over the next four years there will be many great opportunities to further develop and grow the game.

"However, we cannot be complacent.

"Rugby, like all sports, faces challenges, and my manifesto outlines the five priorities focused on addressing these. These priorities are continuing to protect players, preserving integrity, enhancing global competition, optimising partnerships and empowering and strengthening unions.

"I will nurture the roots of rugby, our fundamental values and financial security, and will make rugby decisions for rugby reasons.

"As World Rugby chairman, I will work with unions over the next four years to deliver healthy, sustainable growth for the game we all love."

Lapasset, who served as chairman for eight years is confident that Beaumont will be able to carry on the from the strong base built to take the game forward.

"Rugby is in great shape around the world, and I am proud that I vacate the position after eight wonderful years, during which we have achieved record participation, increased interest and engagement, Olympic inclusion and record-breaking Rugby World Cups.

"I leave with a dynamic new governance model implemented, and I am delighted that my colleague and friend, Bill Beaumont - with a clear vision and strong passion for the global development of rugby - will drive the game into this exciting period.

"The future is very bright for our sport with the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and a ground-breaking Rugby World Cup in Japan all major milestones before the end of this decade."

Former England captain Bill Beaumont has been unanimously elected as the chairman of World Rugby following the election in Dublin.

Beaumont will replace French rugby administrator Bernard Lapasset whose second term in the top post ends in 2016.

Apart from Beaumont, former Argentina scrum-half Agustín Pichot has been elected as the vice-chairman and both the officials are expected to take up their roles with effect from 1st July.

After retiring from the game in 1982 on medical ground, Beaumont represented England on the International Rugby Board since 1999 and was elected as chairman of Rugby Football Union in 2012.

The 64-year-old has also worked with the World Rugby previously as a vice-chairman between 2007 and 2012.

Having made his international debut for England in 1975, Beaumont made 34 appearances for his country and went on to captain 21 times.

Describing it as an honor to take up the role, Beaumont credited outgoing chairman Lapasset for the success he had in the development of the game.

Beaumont also assured he will be working in close quarters will the unions and ensure there is proper growth going forward in all facets of the game.

"I am honoured to accept the mandate of council to serve as World Rugby chairman at what is an exciting and pivotal time for the sport," said Beaumont, who will serve a four-year term.

"Rugby has experienced significant and rapid growth, which is a credit to Bernard Lapasset and his leadership over the past eight years.

"The sport is in excellent health, and over the next four years there will be many great opportunities to further develop and grow the game.

"However, we cannot be complacent.

"Rugby, like all sports, faces challenges, and my manifesto outlines the five priorities focused on addressing these. These priorities are continuing to protect players, preserving integrity, enhancing global competition, optimising partnerships and empowering and strengthening unions.

"I will nurture the roots of rugby, our fundamental values and financial security, and will make rugby decisions for rugby reasons.

"As World Rugby chairman, I will work with unions over the next four years to deliver healthy, sustainable growth for the game we all love."

Lapasset, who served as chairman for eight years is confident that Beaumont will be able to carry on the from the strong base built to take the game forward.

"Rugby is in great shape around the world, and I am proud that I vacate the position after eight wonderful years, during which we have achieved record participation, increased interest and engagement, Olympic inclusion and record-breaking Rugby World Cups.

"I leave with a dynamic new governance model implemented, and I am delighted that my colleague and friend, Bill Beaumont - with a clear vision and strong passion for the global development of rugby - will drive the game into this exciting period.

"The future is very bright for our sport with the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and a ground-breaking Rugby World Cup in Japan all major milestones before the end of this decade."