Statement: RFU confirms Bill Beaumont replacement

Wates replaces Sir Bill Beaumont, who had taken up the position on an interim basis back in December 2024, following the resignation of Tom Ilube.

A major figure in UK business, Wates is currently a board director at the Wates Group, one of the country’s leading privately-owned construction and property firms. He also held the position of Chairman there for a decade, from 2013 to 2023.

In a statement, the RFU praised the appointment, saying:
“Sir James has had a distinguished career in the construction and business sectors, marked by significant leadership roles and contributions to industry standards and charitable causes.
He brings extensive leadership experience to the RFU alongside a deep love of the game of rugby, stretching back to his early playing days.”

Wates himself is clearly eager to get started.
“It is a true honour to be named chair of the board of the RFU, and I can’t wait to get started.
English Rugby is steeped in legacy and history, and it is a history that the country should be proud of, while also being excited about what is to come.
Later this year, we have the Women’s Rugby World Cup hosted across England and I am looking forward to this happening so soon into my tenure.
I will do my upmost to maximise the growth of the game, with the support of the RFU board and wider team in the years ahead and engaging as much as possible in the rugby community at all levels across England.”

This leadership shift comes as rugby continues to evolve rapidly both on and off the pitch.