Japanese Government honours Sir William Blackledge Beaumont
2025/9/25
On 25 September, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki bestowed The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon Sir William Blackledge Beaumont at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence.
Sir Bill achieved great success as a player for the England national rugby team and went on to play important roles in World Rugby and other organisations, contributing to the international development of the game. In relation to Japan in particular, as Chair of World Rugby, he was instrumental in ensuring the historic success of the Rugby World Cup 2019, held in Japan from 20 September to 2 November that year, and actively promoted rugby in Japan and across Asia.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the many achievements of Sir Bill and expressed his respect and gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the strengthening of Japan-UK relations through rugby.
In response, Sir Bill reflected on his career and expressed his deep appreciation to the many individuals whose support made his work possible.
Sir Bill achieved great success as a player for the England national rugby team and went on to play important roles in World Rugby and other organisations, contributing to the international development of the game. In relation to Japan in particular, as Chair of World Rugby, he was instrumental in ensuring the historic success of the Rugby World Cup 2019, held in Japan from 20 September to 2 November that year, and actively promoted rugby in Japan and across Asia.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the many achievements of Sir Bill and expressed his respect and gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the strengthening of Japan-UK relations through rugby.
In response, Sir Bill reflected on his career and expressed his deep appreciation to the many individuals whose support made his work possible.
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