Heavyweight boost for RWC

England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015, has announced the appointment of Bill Beaumont and Paul Deighton to its Board.

The two new Board members bring deep rugby experience together with business acumen, major event organisation and influence in the national and international sporting and political landscapes.

Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Six Nations Chairman, and former England captain, Bill Beaumont adds extensive knowledge and experience to the Board.

A former Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Director and current IRB Council Member for England, his appointment further strengthens ER 2015’s relationship with domestic and international governing bodies.

As CEO of LOCOG, Paul Deighton had overall responsibility for the delivery of London 2012. As well as leading the day-to-day operations of LOCOG, he was responsible for raising the £2 billion budget from the private sector and managing relationships with Government and its agencies, the Mayor of London, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association and other organisations with an interest in the Games.

“I am very excited to be part of a home Rugby World Cup in 2015 and I will work tirelessly with my fellow Board members and the executive of ER 2015 to ensure that we deliver a World Cup of which the whole country can be proud,” said Beaumont.

“Everyone recognises that the London Olympics and Paralympics have set a high benchmark for international sports events that follow. I want to bring the knowledge and experience gleaned from my time with LOCOG to help ensure that the organisation, delivery and feel-good factor of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 is right up there with London 2012,” added Deighton.

Beaumont and Deighton’s appointment builds on the mix of skills and experience in the current board which comprises: Andy Cosslett, ER 2015 Chairman; Debbie Jevans, ER 2015 Chief Executive;  Ian Metcalfe, Chairman of the Professional Game Board; Ian Watmore, Former Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and Government’s Chief Operating Officer; Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive; Stephen Brown, RFU Chief Financial Officer; Geoff Irvine, Chairman of the RFU Championship and RFU Council Member and Quentin Smith, Chairman of Premiership Rugby.

“Our job at England Rugby 2015 is to build the strength and appeal of this great game by delivering a brilliant Rugby World Cup. To do this we need to call on the talents and experience of people drawn from both inside and outside the world of rugby. I am delighted to welcome Bill and Paul to the Board,“ said Andy Cosslett, England Rugby 2015 Chairman.