Sir Bill Beaumont officially welcomed the Unión de Rugby del Uruguay to their first World Rugby Council meeting today, marking an historic moment for the sport.

Represented by former Vice-President Fernando de Posadas, Uruguay’s first meeting was via teleconference owing to the ongoing impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Uruguay were appointed on to Council in October 2019 having successfully achieved the required good governance criteria in line with World Rugby’s governance reform launched in November 2015.

They follow in the footsteps of Fiji, Samoa, Georgia, Romania and USA in taking a place on the international federation’s supreme decision-making body under the new governance structures and will act as an inspiration for other unions aspiring to take a seat on Council.

Beaumont said: “I am delighted to officially welcome Fernando to his first Council meeting. Uruguay is a leading light of South American rugby and a growing presence on the world stage. We look forward to your contributions in this forum to the continued growth of the sport."

Fernando de Posadas said: “This is an important day for the Unión de Rugby del Uruguay. We are encouraging and pushing ourselves to be the best we can be on and off the field, and a seat at Council ensures that our voice will be heard in the decision-making process, which is great for Uruguay and South American rugby.

“We look forward to continue working for the game in our country, region and around the globe.”