Bernard Lapasset Recognised with Prestigious Japanese Government Honour for Services to Rugby

The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to share that the Japanese Government has awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to the former President of World Rugby, Bernard Lapasset in the Spring 2022 Order of Merit for Foreign Citizens awards. The award officially recognises the contributions made by Mr Lapasset in his support of Japan hosting Rugby World Cup 2019 and the promotion and development of rugby in Japan.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100337858.pdf

Shigetaka Mori, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union commented:

“On behalf of the entire Japanese rugby community, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Bernard Lapasset on receiving this prestigious award. Rugby World Cup 2019 was the first tournament held outside of the traditional rugby nations and the first to be held in Asia. Mr. Bernard Lapasset has always advocated for rugby to become a sport loved around the entire world. In his capacity as President of World Rugby (formerly the International Rugby Board), he demonstrated strong leadership in the decision to bring the tournament to Japan and supported us continually during our preparations. He was key in insuring rugby became a sport more open to the world and I am pleased to be able to express my gratitude and respect for his outstanding achievements and for helping to bring new horizons to rugby in Japan.”

Profile of Mr. Bernard Lapasset

1947 Born in Tarbes, France

1991-2008 President of the Fédération Française de Rugby

2008-2016 President of World Rugby

2015-2017 President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee

2018- Honorary President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee