After Bernard Lapasset was re-elected as Chairman of the IRB yesterday at the organization's annual meeting, held this year in Los Angeles, his challenger to the post, former England captain Bill Beaumont, also lost his vice-chair role.

South Africa Oregan Hoskins was voted in as Vice Chair, with Lapasset casting the deciding vote.

However, as important for the future of the game, for the first time ever the USA and Japan have members on the Executive Committee. Tatsuzo Yabe will represent Japan, while USA Rugby vice chair Bob Latham will represent the North America and Caribbean region.

All members of the Executive Committee will serve for four years: Bill Beaumont (England), Tatsuzo Yabe (Japan), Giancarlo Dondi (Italy), Peter McGrath (Australia), Peter Boyle (Ireland), Graham Mourie (New Zealand) and Bob Latham (NACRA).