Rugby: Former England international Bill Beaumont last night failed in his attempt to succeed Bernard Lapasset as chairman of the International Rugby Board and was then forced to leave his post as vice-chairman, when Frenchman was re-elected for another term.
Lapasset defeated the former England captain by 14 votes to 12 at an IRB meeting in Los Angeles, and South African candidate Oregan Hoskins was then installed as the Frenchman's deputy after the chairman cast the deciding vote.
IRB chief executive Mike Miller said the first round of voting for vice-chairman finished 13-13, while the second round produced an identical outcome. Lapasset's vote, though, went to Hoskins and signalled a double defeat for Beaumont that saw him edged out by the 26-strong Council membership.
Lapasset's victory was secured after one round of voting and his second term will commence on January 1st.
The outcome should have been decided in Auckland during the World Cup in October, but a vote was taken to delay the election until yesterday.
With both candidates for the chairmanship coming from Europe, the vote was not expected to be split along the north-south divide, but on policy and which man would deliver the best leadership for the IRB.
Beaumont was thought to have strong backing from the home unions, with possible support also from New Zealand and Australia.
Lapasset’s power base was expected to come from France and Italy, but mainly the unions who would benefit more from global expansion.
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.”
He added: “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 said: “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.”
