Bill Beaumont is a familiar figure throughout the sporting world.
The former England and British Lions captain has just been re-elected as the chairman of World Rugby and will continue to shape the game with his vision. Over the years, his career has taken him on a few journeys. From the rugby pitches of Lancashire to the captain’s chair on Question of Sport and the offices of the World Rugby Council.
His rugby career began at Fylde Rugby Club in Lancashire. He joined the club as a 17-year-old in 1969. He played as a forward for the 1st team after a trial period as a fullback. His father also played for Fylde Rugby Club and it was he who suggested that the club should give Beaumont a trial. He went on to play at Fylde until 1982 when injury forced him to retire from the game – a one-club man until the end.
His international career was impressive as well. Bill Beaumont made his England debut at the age of 22 against Ireland in Dublin on the 18th of January 1975. England lost the game 12-9. However, Beaumont was to lead England to their first Grand Slam in 23 year in 1980. He was also part of the British Lions set up that toured South Africa but lost the series 3-1. He was also the first Englishman to captain the Lions in 23 years. While playing in the 1982 County Championship, he was injured and was advised to stop playing because of his injury – he retired from playing rugby after.
But after his playing career ended, be began working as a pundit for the BBC and Sky Sports. But it is his run on the popular sports-based quiz show A Question of Sport that introduced him to a whole new legion of fans. Beaumont was the tv show’s longest-serving captain. He appeared on the quiz show for more than 13 years.
Beaumont also entered the administration side of rugby both in the UK and an international stage. He became a member of the RFU and a member of the IRB where he has represented English rugby since 1999. Then he moved on to be the chairman of the Rugby Football Union, and he was appointed to this role in July 2012. In May 2016, Bill Beaumont became Chairman of World Rugby and replaced outgoing Chairman Bernard Lapasset. He was re-elected to the role in May 2020 and is set to serve once more as Chairman.
Outside sport, Beaumont is the managing director of his family’s textile business which is based in Lancashire. It is the only one of its kind that remains in the region. The company specialises in curtain and upholstery fabrics and other elegant home furnishings. He is also the Honorary President of a Rugby-based charity Wooden Spoon. This helps disadvantaged children around the UK.
There can be no doubt that Bill Beaumont continues to make his mark on the game of rugby and still leads by example. If you are a big rugby fan, why not head to Aspers Casino Online and check out the rugby themed games such as Rugby Star slot.
