Rugby World Cup

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the structure of the Board that will oversee the delivery of all Rugby World Cup tournaments over the next four years.

This includes Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009, Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 and Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

New IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset assumes the reigns as chairman of Rugby World Cup Limited.

He succeeds Dr. Syd Millar who presided over the delivery of the two most successful tournaments to date - Australia 2003 and France 2007. Millar's considerable experience will not be lost to the Board as he stays on as a director.

IRB Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont, who was a RWC Director for Rugby World Cup 2007 in France, also stays on the Board.

Oregan Hoskins, President of the South Africa Rugby Union and IRB Council Member joins the Board for the first time as a Director. Mike Miller, IRB Chief Executive and Managing Director of Rugby World Cup Ltd completes the five-man Rugby World Cup Board.

Chairman Bernard Lapasset welcomed Oregan Hoskins to the Board and also paid tribute to outgoing Directors, former IRB Vice Chairman Bob Tuckey and French Rugby Federation IRB Council Member Jacques Laurans.

He particularly thanked them for their outstanding service to Rugby World Cup and their contribution to the success of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France.

The IRB has also confirmed the structure of its 10-man Executive Committee.

Giancarlo Dondi, Italy Rugby Federation President, has been elected to the Committee to replace Argentina's Carlos Tozzi.

The IRB Executive Committee Board comprises of IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset (Chair), IRB Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont, Peter Boyle (Ireland), Bill Nolan (Scotland), David Pickering (Wales), Giancarlo Dondi (Italy), Paul McLean (Australia), Oregan Hoskins (South Africa), Graeme Mourie (New Zealand) and Mike Miller (IRB Chief Executive).