Bill Beaumont has secured another four years as the chairman of rugby's governing body World Rugby.
The former England international has been re-elected after defeating outgoing vice-chairman and ex Argentina captian Agustin Pichot by 28 votes to 23.
Beaumont had the support of the Six Nations countries and Rugby Europe ahead of Thursday's vote while Pichot's pledges had come from southern hemisphere nations.
Ex France coach Bernard Laporte has been appointed the new vice-chairman. The results of the vote had been due to be announced on May the 12th but both candidates agreed to it being brought forward.
"I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation's chairman once again and would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support," Beaumont said on being returned to the role.
"Now is not the time for celebration. We have work to do. We are tackling Covid-19 and must implement an appropriate return-to-rugby strategy that prioritises player welfare, while optimising any opportunity to return to international rugby this year in full collaboration with club competitions for the good of players, fans and the overall financial health of the sport."
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