The Guardian's Paul Rees reflects on Bill Beaumont's failed bid to become International Rugby Board chairman.
"The home unions suffered one of their worst days in the IRB's history and, for the first time in the professional era, supply neither the chairman nor vice-chairman. After failing to become chairman Beaumont stood as vice-chairman, the position he has held for the last four years. He had tried to cut a deal the night before with Lapasset but the Frenchman said he would not betray his running mate, South Africa's Oregan Hoskins.
"...While Beaumont will have support on the RFU's council there is a feeling that the union's second seat on the IRB – the other is held by John Spencer – should be given to the new chief executive, who may be appointed as soon as Wednesday. That would leave Beaumont adrift. He was elected to the executive because it was felt England, as hosts of the 2015 World Cup, should have a presence on it but it was assumed Spencer would fill the position."
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