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Former England captain Bill Beaumont has been elected chairman of rugby union’s international governing body, World Rugby
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The 64-year-old Rugby Football Union chairman was the unanimous choice of the World Rugby board
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Ex-Argentina international Agustin Pichot taking the role of vice-chairman
Bill Beaumont has been elected chairman of World Rugby and will take office from July 1, the governing body has announced.
The 64-year-old England Grand Slam-winning captain will take up his post on July 1, World Rugby announced.
Beaumont succeeds Frenchman Bernard Lapasset and will work alongside new vice-chairperson Agustin Pichot, the former Argentina captain.
Both men, who stood unopposed, will officially take up their roles on July 1.
“I am honoured to accept the mandate of council to serve as World Rugby chairperson at what is an exciting and pivotal time for the sport,” Beaumont said in a World Rugby statement.
“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.”