Lapasset Re-elected Chairman Of Irb
Bernard Lapasset has been re-elected as chairman of the International Rugby Board, defeating current vice-chairman and former England captain Bill Beaumont by 14 votes to 12, at an IRB meeting in Los Angeles.
In a double blow for the 59 year-old Englishman, Beaumont also lost his position as vice-chairman to South African candidate Oregan Hoskins.
After two rounds of voting had finished 13-13, the chairman’s casting vote was awarded to Hoskins.
Hoskins, along with Lapasset who will be serving a second term in charge, will begin his new role from 1st January, 2012.
Lapasset said: ‘As vice-chairman, Bill has been at the forefront of driving forward the policies that have successfully delivered the foundations for our sport to flourish over the next decade.’
‘I am honoured to accept the mandate of the council to serve as chairman of the International Rugby Board for another term.’
‘Together we must work to ensure that our sport remains strong for all our unions and is able to continue its phenomenal growth around the world. I am committed to building on the good progress to date.’
Hoskins added: ‘It is an honour to accept this mandate. I am looking forward to working in partnership with Bernard and my colleagues on council to ensure that rugby is best placed to thrive as a sport at both the elite and community levels.’
The outcome should have been decided in Auckland during the recent Rugby World Cup in October, but a vote was taken to delay until Monday – as it was felt an election should not take place during the sport’s centerpiece event.
