Bill Beaumont elected new chairman of World Rugby

Bill Beaumont has been elected chairman of World Rugby.

The 64-year-old England Grand Slam-winning captain will take up his post on July 1, the governing body announced.

Beaumont succeeds Frenchman Bernard Lapasset, who had previously announced he would not be seeking-re-election, while former Argentina scrum-half and skipper Agustin Pichot was elected vice-chairman.

World Rugby announced on Twitter: "Bill Beaumont and Agustin Pichot unanimously elected next @WorldRugby chairman and vice-chairman respectively. They take office from 1 July." 

Beaumont has been central to World Rugby's decision-making bodies for more than a decade, and served as vice-chairman from 2007 to 2012.

He has been a key figure on the World Rugby Council, Executive Committee, Rugby World Cup Board and Rugby Committee bodies. As RFU chairman, Beaumont presided over the delivery of last year's World Cup in England.

He was also a decorated player, making his international debut in 1975 and going on to win 34 caps, leading England to their first Grand Slam for 23 years in 1980. Beaumont also played for the British and Irish Lions and later accompanied them as tour manager for the tour to New Zealand in 2005.

Beaumont said: "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. 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."