By Robert Fawdon, Paris, March 2, 2016: Bernard Lapasset, Co-Chairman of the Paris 2024 Bid Committee, today confirmed that he will not seek re-election as Chairman of World Rugby this year and will solely focus on his role leading Paris’ campaign for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bernard Lapasset, said today:
“After careful consideration I have taken the decision not to seek a further term of office as Chairman of World Rugby. I am proud of my time at the helm of World Rugby, the progress made and excited by what lies ahead for our sport, including the debut of Rugby 7s at Rio 2016.
“My decision will allow me to devote more time to my role as Co-Chairman of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid. We are now entering into the heart of the campaign and nothing would give me greater pleasure than bringing the Games back to Paris for a real centenary celebration of Olympism in 2024. I hope to have the honour of being part of a successful bid from my home country, something that would be so special for me personally and for the people of France.”
Tony Estanguet, Co-Chairman of the Paris 2024 Bid Committee, said:
“Bernard’s vast experience presiding over Rugby’s most successful era is acknowledged around the world and this expertise in global sport and leading a successful International Federation are important assets for Paris 2024.
“This announcement is a great boost for our bid and I look forward to working closely with Bernard to showcase our city’s unique Games vision and compelling message as the campaign continues to gather pace.”
Bernard Lapasset Achievements
1991 – Elected FFR President
1995 – Chairman of IRB for historic Rugby World Cup 1995
2006 – Order of Merit of New Zealand
2007 – Chairman of the Organising Committee of Rugby World Cup 2007 – the most successful RWC up to that point with 2.25 million attendees
2007 – Elected Chairman of IRB following record breaking Rugby World Cup
2007 – Awarded officier de la Legion d’honneur
2009 – Led IRB’s successful bid for Rugby Sevens’ Olympic Games inclusion
2009 – Awarding of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, Asia’s first Rugby World Cup
2010 – Visionary IRB strategic plan launched, a blueprint for growing the global rugby family
2010 – 10 year tours and test schedule launched
2010 – Argentina’s inclusion in The Rugby Championship
2011 – Record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and re-elected as IRB Chairman
2012 – Women’s Strategic Plan launched
2014 – Record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 delivered in France
2014 – IRB rebranded as World Rugby with dynamic new identity and
2015 – New World Rugby Sevens Series cycle launched with record commercial values
2015 – Record-breaking RWC 2015 and wide-ranging governance reform launched
2015 – Awarded Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur
2016 – Record participation growth sees 7.6 million participants in Rugby worldwide
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