Bill Beaumont is new RFU chairman

Former England and British and Irish Lions captain Bill Beaumont (Getty Images)

The former England and British and Irish Lions captain Bill Beaumont has been appointed as the new chairman of the Rugby Football Union. The 60-year-old takes over from Paul Murphy, who becomes RFU president in succession to Willie Wildash.

Beaumont, who in 2011 failed in an attempt to become chairman of the International Rugby Board, said that he was honoured to take up the role, adding: "I was fortunate enough to captain my country and everything since then has been about putting something back into a game that is important to so many people."

Beaumont won 34 caps for England between 1975 and 1982 as a lock and led his country to a first Grand Slam in 33 years in 1980. He also captained the Lions on their tour of South Africa the same year.

Murphy said of Beaumont: "I am sure he will bring his great experience to bear."