Former England captain and second row Beaumont, who won 34 caps for his country and seven for the British & Irish Lions, succeeds Welshman David Pickering, who leaves the role he held since 2008 in which time he oversaw four RBS 6 Nations Championships but remains on the Council as a representative for the WRU.

Beaumont’s previous administrative roles with rugby include representing Lancashire on the RFU Council; representing the RFU on the IRB Council, being director of the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup and in 2005 being tour manager for the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

Bill Beaumont, who has received a CBE for services to rugby union in England, said: “I am honoured to be elected Chairman of the Six Nations Council.

“It is a privilege to be involved with the biggest annual rugby competition in the world. 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.”

Meanwhile, former Ireland international Pat Whelan was elected vice chairman at the same meeting with immediate effect.

Pat Whelan is a former hooker who won 19 caps for Ireland between 1975 and 1981 during his career.