Bill Beaumont elected chairman of Six Nations Council

Bill Beaumont has been elected as chairman of the Six Nations Council.

Six Nations chiefs confirmed the former England captain's appointment at their meeting held in Rome.

Beaumont's three-year term of office begins immediately and he succeeds Welshman David Pickering, who will remain on the council as Welsh Rugby Union representative.

Beaumont said: "It is a privilege to be involved with the biggest annual rugby competition in the world."

He added: "I would like to thank the outgoing chairman, David Pickering, for his work over the last four years, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the council."

Ireland's Pat Whelan was elected as Six Nations vice-chairman, also with immediate effect.