Bill Beaumont has overcome Agustin Pichot to retain his role as the Chair of World Rugby. The term is for another four years and the results were called 10 days earlier than originally planned.
Bill Beaumont retains power
Bill Beaumont has retained his spot as Chair of World Rugby after winning the election 28-23, with two key voters of Africa and Japan both swinging his way.
Other public backing of the Englishman came from Wales, Canada, Fiji, Samoa and Rugby Europe. Meanwhile, New Zealand had backed Pichot.
He now faces enormous challenges ahead as he attempts to unite both hemisphere’s and he must draw the southern hemisphere voters closer to him if he wishes to truly serve a successful term.
Pichot nearly succeeded with the backing of Asia, USA, Georgia, and Oceania, but losing the Pacific Islands hurt his chances the most.
- World Rugby Council elects Beaumont as Chairman for a four-year term
- Beaumont achieves a first-round majority to confirm a second term
- Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte elected Vice-Chairman
- New World Rugby Executive Committee elected
- Early announcement approved by both candidates
- Beaumont calls on game to unite and work collectively for a stronger future
- Four-year term will begin after 12 May Council meeting
The new Executive Committee will comprise: Sir Bill Beaumont (Chairman), Bernard Laporte (Vice-Chairman/Fédération Française de Rugby), Brett Gosper (Chief Executive), Angela Ruggiero (Independent), Lord Mervyn Davies (Independent); Mark Alexander (South African Rugby Union), Khaled Babbou (Rugby Africa), Bart Campbell (New Zealand Rugby), Gareth Davies (Welsh Rugby Union), John Jeffrey (Scottish Rugby), Bob Latham (USA Rugby), and Brett Robinson (Rugby Australia).
Reacting to his victory, Bill Beaumont stated, “I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation’s Chairman once again and would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support and trust.
“I would like to thank Gus [Pichot] for his friendship and support over the last four years. While we stood against each other in this campaign, we were aligned in many ways and I have the utmost respect for him.
“Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant.”
More to follow as the day continues. Keep up to speed with the updates on our website, and on Twitter @Rreesrugby/@LWOSRugby.
“Main photo credit”
