[3] Beaumont was educated at Cressbrook School, Kirkby Lonsdale (also attended by another England and British Lions player, John Spencer) and Ellesmere College in Shropshire.

Beaumont took part in the 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand after being called up as a replacement when Nigel Horton broke his thumb, and played in the final three tests.

Beaumont then captained the 1980 British Lions tour to South Africa playing in 10 of the 18 matches.

[5] He then applied for the role of Chairman of World Rugby to replace Bernard Lapasset and on 11 May 2016 he was unanimously elected to the office, with his tenure beginning on 1 July 2016.

[6] Beaumont returned as interim chairman of the RFU in December 2024 after the resignation of Tom Ilube.

[7] He is an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon that funds projects for disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.

In 2007 the Rugby Football Union announced that the winners of the English County Championship would be awarded the Bill Beaumont Cup.

[10] and appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to rugby football and charity.

Note 9: Michael Owen captained the Lions in the first tour game, the test vs. Argentina in Cardiff.