what effect will the new IRB board have on rugby?

[blackcanelion]

The IRB has elected a new board. My understanding is that it has diluted the impact of the British and Irish nations at the board level. The board makes most of the decisions and was traditionally dominated by England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Now there are just three officials 1 English man (Beaumont), and two Irish lads. The only connection to the 3 senior positions being the current CEO.

My thought is this: Lappasset was elected on a platform of change, his and Hoskin's support is based on a fair amount of support from emerging areas and Australia and South Africa. There are two board members from outside the power bases of the game (Japan and North America). Will this lead to a change in the game timetables (more games for minor teams), a change in the world cup schedule (Aus, SA, Argentina and NZ want later starting dates), or any other changes?

It seems to me it will result in changes of some sort, there's an increase in the decision makers from outside the conservative, traditional powerbase. Britain/Ireland are now a minority on the board for the perhaps the first time. Here's the link for the board: http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2060876.html#lapasset+elected+irb+chairman

[Biltong]

The mere fact that Hoskins is in the mix should concern nobody, he has been a mere pushover in the SANZAR setup, he will have little impact if any on the new setup.

[munkian]

I think it will have little effect - I thought Beaumont wanted to make changes ?

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