Sir Bill Beaumont

Having both played and captained Rugby, Bill Beaumont is an expert in the rugby sector. Starting his career as a rugby union player, Bill knows what it takes to be a team player. Bill’s commitment to rugby is commendable, placing him as a firm favourite with rugby officials and the public alike. When Bill was just 17 years old, he joined the Flyde Rugby Club beginning his love for the sport. Bill also had stints playing for the Barbarians and Lancashire Rugby Club during the 1970s. His big break in rugby came when he was selected to play for England and the British and Irish Lions.

Making his international debut aged 22, Bill went on to have a very successful career with England. He was able to win 34 caps for England during his time playing for them, captaining the team an impressive 21 times. In 1975 he was selected to tour Australia with the team, and later in 1979 to tour Japan, Fiji and Tonga. He was also selected to play in the 1981 tour of Argentina. Bill also spent time playing for the British and Irish Lions, competing in a number of high profile games for the team. He played in the 1977 tour of Argentina, playing in all of the final three tests for the British and Irish Lions. During the British Lions tour to South Africa, Bill captained the team where he played in 10 of the 18 matches that they competed in.

Unfortunately, Bill had to retire from rugby in 1982 due to continually suffering from concussion when playing the sport. Not wanting to leave his passion behind, Bill went on to represent England on a number of rugby-related boards. In 1999 Bill put himself forward for a position on the International Rugby Board, which he has represented England until this day. Later in 2005 Bill was given the opportunity to be the tour manager for British and Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand.

In 2012 Bill put his name forward to be a Rugby Football Union chairman, landing himself the role in July of that year. He also put himself forward for the position of Chairman of World Rugby, claiming the title in May 2016. Bill also devotes time to charity, being the Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon. This charity works to fund projects for children and young people who are disadvantaged in Britain and Ireland. Bills years of experience in the rugby sector place him as a favourite for rugby speaking at corporate events. With a plethora of personal experiences and inspiring anecdotes to share, Bill is the perfect candidate for your event.