Bill Beaumont
England rugby legend Sir Bill Beaumont has received the Freedom of the in recognition of his outstanding services to sport.
Bill made his debut for England in 1975, going on to win 34 caps and leading England to their first Grand Slam for 33 years in 1980. They won all their matches in the Five Nations Championship that year, against Ireland, France, Scotland, and Wales.
He also captained the British and Irish Lions and later managed them on the tour to New Zealand in 2005.
Knighted in 2019, he was awarded Knight of the Grand Cross in 2023 for services to rugby and charity. Bill was also the second-longest serving captain on BBC’s ‘A Question of Sport’ quiz show, for 14 years.
Bill was elected Chairman of World Rugby in 2016, rugby union’s global governing body.
He is an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon that funds projects for disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.
Bill Beaumont said:
“I am incredibly humbled to have been granted this honour, which means a great deal to me and my family. It is an incredibly proud moment and one that I will cherish.
“I am proud to serve the sport I love and therefore, this is also an accolade that I receive on behalf of rugby and the special family of volunteers, who, through their tireless efforts, are changing lives through rugby. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Corporation for bestowing me with this wonderful honour.”
Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“Bill is a legend of rugby and this award is a fitting tribute to his unique and special achievements.
“After hanging up his rugby boots, he continues to be admired and respected throughout the game, for his leadership on the world stage.”
City Corporation elected Member, Alderman Sir William Russell, said:
“We are delighted that Bill has been awarded the Freedom of the City. It is richly deserved and recognises his outstanding contributions to sport and London.”
One of the ’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
City Corporation Lead Member for Sport, Edward Lord, said:
“Bill has devoted his life to rugby, both as a player and administrator. I am delighted we are recognising him for his exceptional contributions to rugby and sport.”
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Recent high-profile recipients include Arsenal and England footballing legend Ian Wright, singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran; LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé; England football captain and former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK.
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