World Rugby: Bill Beaumont (ENG) unanimously elected president, succeeding Bernard Lapasset (FRA)

William Blackledge Beaumont, known as Bill Beaumont (64 years old), a former England rugby international (34 caps), was unanimously elected Chairman of World Rugby by members of the Federation Council, in Dublin (IRL), on 11/05/2016. His term will begin on 01/07/2016. He succeeds Bernard Lapasset (FRA) who was elected on 19/10/2007 before taking office on 01/01/2008.

"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. 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," said Bill Beaumont after his election on 11/05/2016.

"Rugby is reporting record highs in participation and popularity around the world with 7.73 million players," declared World Rugby on 11/05/2015. Bernard Lapasset had announced that he would not seek a third term in order to focus on his role as co-chair (with Tony Estanguet) of the Paris bid for the organisation of the 2024 Olympic Games (IOC decision on 13/09/2017).

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