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Changing of the guard at FFR

Monday 14th July 2008

Busy guy: Bernard Lapasset

After seventeen years at the head of the French Rugby Federation, Bernard Lapasset has stepped down from the post, handing the reigns over to his deputy, Pierre Camou.

Lapasset, the International Rugby Board chairman, announced his decision on Saturday at Federation's annual Congress in Vannes citing a lack of time to properly exercise his responsibilities.

"If I had 25 or 26 hours in a day I could do more, but like everyone I only have 24-hour days," said Lapasset, who became FFR president in 1991 and oversaw the French rugby's transition into the professional era.

"I hope that Pierre will be the president of a French team that becomes world champions. I give his projects for the advancement of French rugby my full backing," added Lapasset.

62-year-old Camou was unanimously elected as Lapasset's successor as will head the FFR until official elections on December 20. Camou has promised to continue the work done under the previous administration but has hinted at changing the current structure within French rugby which is "not as efficient as it could be."