Bill Beaumont has officially begun his mandate as World Rugby Chairman today, having been unanimously elected chairman last month.
The outgoing RFU Chairman, who is joined by new Vice-Chairman, Agustín Pichot, is committed to enhancing the global calendar for players, fans and commercial partners, prioritising player welfare advances and fostering strong, sustainable national member unions.
Beaumont has been central to World Rugby's decision-making bodies for more than a decade. He served as Vice-Chairman from 2007 to 2012, and was a key figure on the World Rugby Council, Executive Committee, Rugby World Cup Board and Rugby Committee bodies before taking office. As RFU Chairman, he presided over the delivery of what was the biggest and best Rugby World Cup to date.
He was also a decorated player, making his debut for England in 1975 going on to win 34 caps and leading England to their first grand slam for 33 years in 1980. Beaumont also played for the British and Irish Lions and later accompanied them as tour manager to New Zealand in 2005.
Beaumont said: “Rugby is in excellent health as we look forward to the Olympic Games and a first Rugby World Cup in Asia and there will be many great opportunities to develop and grow the game over the next four years, which I am determined to embrace.
“However, we must not be complacent. We need to address the complex challenge of the global calendar together in a collaborative manner. We must continue to protect our players at all levels of the game and focus on teen participation retention within our growth strategies, while also empowering and strengthening our unions through strong support and good governance.”
“I am committed to nurturing the roots of rugby, our character-building values and ongoing financial prosperity. As Chairman, I will now work closely with our unions over the next four years to deliver a strong, sustainable game for all.”
Beaumont is supported in a dynamic leadership team by Rugby Americas President, UAR Council member Pichot as Vice-Chairman. Pichot has been a driving force behind the rugby development of Argentina and South America on and off the field. Achievements include the Rugby Championship inclusion, Americas Rugby Championship establishment and the introduction of an Argentinian team in Super Rugby.
He said: “I look forward to working alongside Bill to progress our plans to deliver sustainable growth for all, promote inclusivity and equality to ensure that rugby is equipped to convert the great opportunities that we have in front of us, while showing strength to address any challenges.”