Sir CBE DL Bernard Laporte Dear Friends, We are in uncertain times and Coronavirus is undoubtedly the greatest coronavirus is having a big impact challenge rugby has faced in recent years. on rugby globally. Our thoughts are with you all as we try and navigate this very For the sport to emerge stronger from this challenging situation. In tough times crisis we must work together and help each like these we need our sport to come other through the tough times together and if elected as chairman, “ and vice chairman we will work with all of you to make sure that rugby emerges stronger than ever. This is true, now more than ever, as our Rugby is, and has always been, sport and our rugby family is impacted the greatest passion in our lives, whether by the coronavirus. we were playing, coaching or managing. It is often true that the biggest ” Even when times were tough, challenges create the biggest as they are now, rugby has brought opportunities and it is no different us happiness and solace. for rugby. We want to work with Throughout our time in rugby, each and every one of you to seize we have met people from all walks of life the opportunities to support the growth Sir Bill Beaumont who share our passion for the game. and development of rugby globally. CBE DL Each and every one of them has helped Our manifesto reflects many grow our passion for the sport and of the conversations we have had and informed our ideas for how to develop we hope it will bring people together the game from the grassroots upwards. over the coming weeks and months Rugby is bigger than it has ever been to find new and exciting ways for and is played and watched by more the sport we all love to grow further. people than ever before but there We stand ready to serve you and are still challenges that we need work with you to make rugby the to overcome and opportunities to great sport we all know it can be. Bernard Laporte capitalise on. However, it is only by Yours faithfully working together that we can succeed. photo : I.PICAREL/FFR A SHARED VISION

We believe that rugby is at Rugby is seen as a game a crossroads. If we work together that everyone can play there is an opportunity to make it a truly global sport played by – we must make sure that more at the highest level and is true at every level enjoyed by more at every level. “ To achieve this vision, we need , as our international federation, to be fit for purpose and seen as world and perspectives. Our aim is to have needs to review its financial policies leading. We need to define what the a more representative and diverse and not rely on those who have purpose and mission of World Rugby international federation that better traditionally” financially underpinned is and what kind of organisation we want serves the game, not one that the game. A review of how World it to be in order to lead us into the future. is seen to only support the ‘old guard’. Rugby funds the game, both Unions Only then can we collectively decide and Regional Associations, is needed. For rugby to thrive we need for it to grow what the strategic objectives are – Allocation of funds needs to be into a global sport and move beyond what we believe we need to focus on transparent and linked to delivering its traditional territories. To achieve this to make our game bigger and stronger. a shared set of strategic objectives. we need a coherent and meaningful global calendar that supports those Most importantly, we have to look To achieve our aim of a strong at the top of the game and develops after the health and welfare of players. international federation with those aspiring to be there. We also Without players, there is no game. a clear vision, we are proposing need to make our sport more attractive We will put players at the heart of World a wide-ranging governance review to everyone who plays and watches, Rugby’s decision making – they are led by two independently appointed as well as the broadcasters. our past, present and future. people. All major rugby stakeholder will be consulted, as will experts from outside However, to achieve our vision requires of the game, to help bring in fresh ideas investment. We believe that World Rugby We are running together, and only together, because we believe we are the best team to guide rugby out of the Coronavirus crisis and to help it determine its future BIOGRAPHIES

“ and 2007) and twice led France to the SIR BILL BEAUMONT CBE DL BERNARD LAPORTE (2002 and 2004). From In 1969 Sir Bill Beaumont made his debut for his hometown Bernard Laporte began his playing October 22, 2007, on the proposal club Fylde, a club he still supports today. Playing for career as a scrum half at the UA Gaillac. of the French Prime Minister, he was England Beaumont toured Australia in 1975, Japan, Fiji He joined Bordeaux-Bègles in 1984 and appointed State Secretary of Sports and Tonga in 1979, and Argentina in 1981. In that time won the French championship in 1991. ” by the French President of the Republic, he led England to their first Five Nations Grand Slam for Between 1993 and 1995, he was the head serving until June 23, 2009. 22 years and captained the North of England to a victory coach of Stade Bordelais. On September 30, 2011, he was over New Zealand in November 1979. He also played 15 In 1995, he became head coach appointed Head Coach of RC Toulon. times for the Barbarians and captained the British and of the Stade Français which then played Irish Lions in 1980. Beaumont then went on to be tour in the equivalent of the third division In 2013, the club was crowned European manager for the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand. of French rugby. Under his leadership, champion and they reached the final two years in a row(2012 and 2013). After retirement Beaumont stayed involved in rugby the club achieved an incredible and In 2014, RC Toulon won the Top 14 and and represented England on the then International Rugby successful ascent, rising one level each the European Cup. RC Toulon won the Board, including as Vice President before becoming Rugby season until it reached the first division European Cup in 2015 making it three Football Union Chairman in July 2012. During his time as in June 1997. In 1997-98, for their first elite in a row. Chairman of the RFU he was involved in hosting the most season, Stade Français became national successful (at the time) in 2015. In July champion by winning the first final played He was a television (TF1 and Canal +) 2016 Beaumont replaced Bernard Lapasset as Chairman in the . In the same and radio (RMC) consultant for the of World Rugby. season, he brought them to the semi- Rugby World Cup in 1999, 2011 and 2015. finals of the European Cup. A year later, ... On December 3, 2016, he was elected Already an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the Stade Français won the National Cup. Chairman of the French Rugby he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British After the 1999 World Cup, Bernard Laporte Federation. He became a member Empire (CBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours and was was named head coach of the French of the World Rugby Executive formally knighted by Her Majesty The Queen for services national team. Committee in May 2017 and to rugby at Buckingham Palace in February 2019. He is a Vice-chairman of the Six Nations Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire. During the eight years he held the position, he won the Six Nations Council in May 2019. Tournament four times (2002, 2004, 2006 photo : I.PICAREL/FFR OUR MANIFESTO COMMITMENTS 1. Governance reform

2. Global season review

3. Review of world rugby’s financial policy

4. Player welfare

5. Development of women’s rugby 1. GOVERNANCE 1 THE OPPORTUNITIES WHAT WE WILL DO Conduct a wide-ranging governance supports Unions at the top and those World rugby seen as a global review and agree as quickly as possible aspiring to be there. leader in sports governance how World Rugby will be structured 1 • Women’s rugby – there is an and run. The review will be led by two Implement a governance opportunity to be a world leader in independent appointees and look at: structure that represents the women’s sport and we need to seize it. 2 diversity of the game to support • Purpose, role and remit of senior World Investment is needed to drive growth better decision making Rugby appointees (chairman, vice across both 15s and 7s. World Rugby also chairman) needs greater female representation Create an organisation that • Purpose, role, remit and membership in its governance structures. is agile in its thinking and actions of EXCO, Council, General Assembly • Finance – World Rugby needs 3 so that is can lead the game and committees a financial policy that releases as much effectively • Role and purpose of Rugby World Cup Ltd revenue as possible into the game. This needs to be matched with an • Organisational structure of World Rugby Set up a Coronavirus Recovery ambitious investment policy that including the role and remit of Regional Working Group focuses on delivering the game’s Associations. 4 strategic objectives. In parallel with the governance work, • Defining and developing the role of undertake a strategy review to re-focus 7s rugby, maximising the benefits of World Rugby’s priorities to achieve Olympic participation and creating the following in the next four years: commercial sustainability • Player welfare – create a game that is more We will set up a Coronavirus Recovery enjoyable and safer for everyone. We will Working Group comprised of key leaders do this by committing to put players at the from across the game. This group will heart of World Rugby’s decision making. make recommendations to EXCO on how • Global season – we will work to find World Rugby can help Unions recover a global competition structure that from the financial impact of the virus. 1 2. GLOBAL SEASON THE OPPORTUNITIES WHAT WE WILL DO

Creating a coherent global • Bring rugby stakeholders from Unions competition structure, involving and leagues, Tier 1 and Tier 2 together 1 nations from all regions that to devise a plan for a global competition serves those at the top of the structure that better serves the game international game and those as whole who aspire to get there • Consider plans that support international competition Develop a season that between countries eliminates the overlap between • In consultation with relevant 2 club and country stakeholders, consider concepts that

could support an international club Create a competition structure competition which increases interest which excites players, fans, and revenue 3 sponsors and broadcasters to maximise revenue • Have the new competition structure for reinvestment ready to roll out post Rugby World Cup 2023 Develop a season which protects our most important 4 asset - players 3. REVIEW WORLD RUGBY’S FINANCIAL POLICY THE OPPORTUNITIES WHAT WE WILL DO

The financial success of • With World Rugby officials, review • Look to invest not just in rugby growth the rugby world cup could the organisation’s reserve and private but commercial growth (in particular in 1 enable even greater investment investment policy to ensure relation to RWC Ltd properties) to ensure into the game the maximum amount of money future revenues match ambition is distributed to the game A financial distribution model • Develop an investment model that focused on achieving world focuses on achieving World Rugby’s 2 rugby’s strategic objectives strategic objectives could yield even greater results • Consider the role Regional Associations play in delivering Greater transparency around any investment strategy investments could increase 3 trust in world rugby’s strategic • Ensure any investment model is direction transparent and easy to understand

• Ensure that the financial policy allows Investing in both commercial and World Rugby to act in a proactive way rugby growth would help ensure to challenges – especially as the world revenue continues to grow 4 looks to recover from the coronavirus 4. PLAYER WELFARE THE OPPORTUNITIES WHAT WE WILL DO

While rugby is a physical sport • We will put World Rugby at the heart there is a collective will to make of a collective player welfare research 1 it safer for everyone – this is vital and investment strategy to the future success of our sport • Ensure that World Rugby is a global thought leader on player welfare and By making a commitment to put that more funding is made available players at the heart of decision for vital research 2 making, great strides in welfare • We will work closely with player could be made representatives to ensure their voices are heard throughout the decision While reviewing the laws of the making process game to maximise welfare there 3 is also an opportunity to make it • Continue to review the Laws of the more enjoyable and engaging for game to look for ways to make the game those who watch and play it safer, more accessible and enjoyable

• Review Regulation 8 (eligibility to play Player welfare is about physical, for national representative teams) mental and financial health and to see how we can support the longevity world rugby can find ways to 4 player’s international careers support in all these areas 5. WOMEN’S RUGBY THE OPPORTUNITIES WHAT WE WILL DO

Women’s sport is growing • We will put in place a global season globally and in some unions which supports the growth and 1 is growing faster than development of the women’s game, the men’s game recognising their needs are different to the men’s. The commercial potential of • We will invest in the resulting the women’s game is arguably international competitions to ensure 2 greater than the men’s they are a success

• Invest in the Rugby World Cup with Women have been a view to it becoming self sustainable under-represented in the and then profitable – proving the 3 governance of rugby. This is commerciality of the women’s game changing but there is more to global investors that can be done • Ensure that women competing in the World rugby can now make Rugby World Cup are given the same decisions solely in the interests experience as the men of growing the women’s 4 • Develop bespoke participation and girls’ game programmes aimed at getting more women and girls playing worldwide

• As part of the governance review, ensure there are opportunities for women to be represented at every level of decision making in rugby, both in World Rugby and Unions