Bill Beaumont

Sir Bill Beaumont
Beaumont in 2016
Chairman of World Rugby
In office
1 July 2016 – 14 November 2024
DeputyJohn Jeffrey (2020–2024)
Bernard Laporte (2020–2022)
Agustín Pichot (2016–2020)
Preceded byBernard Lapasset
Succeeded byBrett Robinson
Chairman of the Rugby Football Union
In office
8 July 2012 – October 2016
Preceded byPaul Murphy
Succeeded byAndy Cosslett
Vice-chairman of the IRB
In office
1 January 2008 – 31 December 2011
Preceded byBob Tuckey
Succeeded byOregan Hoskins
Birth nameWilliam Blackledge Beaumont
Date of birth (1952-03-09) 9 March 1952 (age 72)
Place of birthChorley, Lancashire, England
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1969–1982 Fylde Rugby Club ()
1975–1981 Barbarian F.C. ()
1972–1982 Lancashire[2] ()
North of England ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1975–1982 England 34 (0)
1977–1980 British & Irish Lions 7 (0)
Correct as of 1 September 2006

Sir William Blackledge Beaumont GBE DL (born 9 March 1952) is a former rugby union player, and was captain of the England rugby union team, earning 34 caps. His greatest moment as captain was the unexpected 1980 Grand Slam win. He played as a lock.

He was Chairman of the Rugby Football Union from 2012 to 2016 and Chairman of World Rugby from July 2016 to November 2024.[3]

  1. ^ "All systems grow: The rugby phenomenon that dwarfs legends like Bill Beaumont – Sportingo". Archived from the original on 25 November 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference rfu-2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Robinson to be landmark World Rugby chair". British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 November 2024.