Sir Bill Beaumont will serve a second term as World Rugby chairman after he was re-elected by a clear majority in this week’s vote.
England’s 1980 Grand Slam winning captain first took the job in 2016 when he replaced Bernard Lapasset and will now begin a second four-year term.
The result of the election was due to be announced on May 12, but the declaration was brought forward with the agreement of Beaumont and fellow candidate Agustín Pichot after it was understood one of them had won a majority in the confidential ballot.
Standing unopposed, France Rugby president Bernard Laporte has been elected the new vice-chairman, replacing Pichot.
A Six Nations statement said: “The Six Nations would like to congratulate both Sir Bill Beaumont on his re-election as Chairman of World Rugby and newly elected vice-Chairman Bernard Laporte, as well as all elected members of the Executive Committee.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with World Rugby and all Rugby Stakeholders in growing the game globally.
“We would also like to thank Agustin Pichot for all the hard work and great achievements in the last four years as World Rugby vice-Chairman and hope he will continue to channel his love and passion into the game.”
Beaumont won 34 England caps between 1975 and 1982 and captained the side to their first Five Nations Grand Slam in 23 years in 1980.
He was appointed RFU chairman in 2012 and served for four years before taking up his current post.
“I am honoured to accept the mandate of the World Rugby Council to serve as the international federation’s chairman once again,” he said.
“I would like to thank my union and region colleagues, members of the global rugby family and, of course, my family for their full support.
“I would like to thank Gus for his friendship and support over the last four years. While we stood against each other in this campaign, we aligned in many ways, and I have the utmost respect for him. Gus is passionate about the sport and his contribution has been significant.”
