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Beaumont: “We are tackling Covid-19 and we must implement an appropriate strategy to return to rugby that prioritizes the well-being of the players”
Last update: 02/05/20 6:46 pm
Former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont has been re-elected as President of World Rugby.
The 68-year-old man battled a challenge from his vice president Agustin Pichot and will remain at the helm of the governing body for the next four years.
Beaumont won with a slim majority of 28-23 votes, World Rugby announced, while Bernard Laporte, president of the French Rugby Federation, was elected as the new vice president.
Beaumont defeated former Vice President Agustin Pichot
Beaumont said: “I am honored to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as president of the international federation once again and I would like to thank my colleagues in the union and the region, members of the global rugby family and, of course, to my family for their full support. “
Rugby, like most sports, has been suspended as the coronavirus pandemic spread around the world, and has cast doubt on whether the 2020 international calendar will be completed.
“Now is not the time for the celebration,” Beaumont said. “We have work to do.
“We are tackling Covid-19 and we must implement an appropriate return to rugby strategy that prioritizes the well-being of the players, while optimizing any opportunity to return to international rugby this year in full collaboration with club competitions for the sake of the Players, fans and the general public Financial health of sport.
Bernard Laporte was voted as vice president without opposition
“I am determined to ensure that the spirit of unity and solidarity that has characterized our work in response to an unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic is the cornerstone of a new approach that will deliver stronger and more sustainable play when we emerge with new enthusiasm, a renewed purpose and an exciting future. “
Former England and British and Irish lions block Beaumont, 68, succeeded Frenchman Bernard Lapasset in 2016.
Pichot, who had worked alongside Beaumont for the past four years, had promised a radical new approach if he had won the election, but fell short.
Beaumont added: “I would like to thank Gus for his friendship and support over the past four years.
“While we face each other this season, we align ourselves in many ways and I have the highest respect for him. Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant.
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “On behalf of everyone at the RFU, I would like to congratulate Bill on his re-election.
“Bill is in an ideal position to lead and unite rugby unions in strengthening the game, so that we can address immediate and longer-term challenges.”
The president of the French Rugby Federation, Laporte, was voted in office without opposition.
He said: “Congratulations to my friend Sir Bill Beaumont on his re-election.
“I would also like to express my best wishes to Agustin Pichot, an Argentine rugby legend and a great rugby leader.
“I also want to thank all the unions that have expressed their opinion in this important vote, giving a clear mandate for governance that Bill and I will undertake on your behalf.”
Beaumont’s new four-year term will officially begin on May 12, when the results of the vote will be confirmed at the annual World Rugby council meeting.
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