World Rugby voted down major changes that would position Africa and Asia at the centre of a far more “global” game as rugby’s governing body returned its chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, to another four years at the helm.
The 68-year-old former England captain defeated a challenge from his vice-chairman, former Argentina skipper Agustin Pichot, by 28 votes to 23.
“I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation’s chairman once again,” said Beaumont who was first elected president in July, 2016.
“I would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support.
“I would like to thank Gus for his friendship and support over the last four years. While we stood against each other in this campaign, we aligned in many ways, and I have the utmost respect for him. Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant.”
Beaumont’s re-election will be confirmed at World Rugby’s annual Council meeting on May 12.
Pichot had campaigned aggressively on a platform that called for an overhaul in the way rugby works globally in a bid to grow the game substantially by making it more commercial in its outlook. His hashtags on social media, including #GlobalGame #Africa and #Asia pointed clearly where he saw the potential future of the game.
But in the end it was too much, too soon for world rugby, as Beaumont’s re-election made clear. Pichot was replaced as vice-chairman by French Rugby president Bernard Laporte.
Beaumont was quick to point out that there was still a lot for rugby to achieve.
“Over the last four years we have achieved a lot, but we are at half-time and need to press on in the second half. I now have a clear mandate to work with Bernard to implement progressive, sustainable change.
“As an organisation, we must lead, be transparent, accountable and continue to serve for all. We must be united in our drive to make this great sport even better, simpler, safer and more accessible.”
“Now is not the time for celebration. We are tackling Covid-19 and must implement an appropriate return-to-rugby strategy that prioritises player welfare, while optimising any opportunity to return to international rugby this year in full collaboration with club competitions for the good of players, fans and the overall financial health of the sport.
“I am determined to ensure that the spirit of unity and solidarity that has characterised our work in response to an unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic, is the cornerstone of a new approach that will deliver a stronger, more sustainable game,” Beaumont said.
