Lapasset Replaces Millar As Irb Chairman

Syd Millar has stepped down from his position as International Rugby Board
chairman and will be replaced by French Rugby Federation president Bernard
Lapasset.

Millar opted not to seek re-election for the post he has held for the last
four years following an IRB council meeting in Paris.

He was elected as IRB chairman in November 2003 after serving as interim
chairman for a year following the death of Vernon Pugh.

The IRB Council also re-elected former England captain Bill Beaumont for a
second term as IRB vice chairman, while a new executive committee was also
elected.

Bernard Lapasset was a key figure behind the France’s bid to host the 2007
World Cup and in his capacity of chairman of the organising committee has played
an instrumental part in the delivery of the most successful Rugby World Cup in
history.

He will serve a minimum four-year term and his chairmanship will start on 1st
January, 2008.