03 March 2016, 15:26

Beaumont is standing to become Chairman of World Rugby

He has been Chairman of the RFU since 2012

RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont has announced he is standing to become Chairman of World Rugby.

Beaumont has been Chairman of the Rugby Football Union since 2012, when he also joined the England Rugby 2015 Board, helping to run the most successful Rugby World Cup.

He won 34 caps for his country, captaining England to a first Grand Slam in 23 years in 1980 and in the same year led the British and Irish Lions. He played his entire club career for Fylde.

“Rugby has been fundamental in my life, bringing me immense enjoyment and fulfilment over many years, both as a player and administrator. Now it is time to attempt to repay some of what rugby has given me by standing for the role of Chairman of World Rugby,” said Beaumont.

The election will take place on 11 May 2016 and Beaumont believes rugby union is entering a “pivotal period” and that he is the right person to help the sport build on the recent success of the World Cup.

“Rugby must have strong roots to ensure healthy and sustainable growth globally,” said Beaumont. “After the largest and most successful Rugby World Cup ever, and with sevens now on the Olympic programme, we are entering a pivotal period.

“Rapid recent expansion has brought tremendous excitement and expectation, which is a credit to our current Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Rugby now needs a modern, forward-thinking, world-leading International Federation that strengthens the roots of the game’s success – our financial security and fundamental rugby values – to guarantee that growth well into the future.

”I believe that with my knowledge and experience I can work with World Rugby to achieve this.”

The RFU have given their full backing to Beaumont in his bid to become Chairman, while the former lock-forward says his Manifesto is essentially “a set of values and priorities that I believe the rugby community shares.”

Read Bill Beaumont's manifesto here.