Lapasset: Sure RFU will recover

But the head of the sport's world governing body had every confidence its English counterpart would emerge stronger from the infighting which has left it without a chairman or chief executive.

The RFU went into meltdown in June when John Steele was ousted as CEO over the botched appointment of an elite performance director.

Chairman Martyn Thomas resigned a month later following the pubication of an internal review into Steele's sacking, over which he had initially threatened legal action.

The double mutiny has left the RFU with a huge void to fill at the top of the organisation just less than two months before they are due to take responsibility for England's hosting of the 2015 World Cup.

Speaking in London on Monday before jetting out to New Zealand for this year's tournament, Lapasset said of the saga: "It's probably bad for the image of rugby football in England and the community around.

"Unions sometimes have troubles.

"In Wales, before the World Cup in 2007, it was in trouble with the provinces there.

"Now the result is the Welsh Rugby Union is very on top."

Lapasset was confident the boardroom bloodletting would not impact on England's hosting of the World Cup.

"It's important that we manage good, solid and robust leadership in the union," he said.

"But, for the IRB, we are very confident of the success of the tournament.

"Because we know the RFU is a strong union, it's a strong rugby country.

"It's a rugby country, not just on the top, but with all structures behind, the clubs, the academies, the players, the structure of the professional leagues."

The RFU look set to appoint more independent board members following pressure from Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

Lapasset refused to be drawn on the organisation's internal structure, saying: "Every union has the choice about it's management and it's process of governance.

"For us, I have no personal comment, no IRB vision on that."

Before turning his attention to the 2015 World Cup, Lapasset will foucs his energy on ensuring the 2011 tournament is a success.

"We need three things," he said. "The first is new players - stars. We need one, two, three stars on the top.

"We need a strong team, new team, a new team from a different origin.

"Thirdly, and more importantly for me - like the European Cup in Cardiff - seven tries in the final."

Lapasset also hoped the World Cup would help New Zealand with the healing process it has been undergoing since February's earthquake devastated host venue Christchurch.

Tournament organisers were forced to move matches from the city but have also tried ensure it still plays a part in the event.

Lapasset said: "We don't forget Christchurch. We opened the fanzone in Christchurch.

"The New Zealand team will be in Christchurch to prepare for the game against France.

"For me personally, I will be with my wife during the break in Christchurch for three days.

"Christchurch will be excluded from the schedule, but it's not excluded from the Rugby World Cup. That is the clear message."