PARIS (AFP) - France's Bernard Lapasset was elected as chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB) on Friday.

Lapasset, who will be 60 on Saturday, the day of the World Cup final in Paris between England and South Africa, was the sole candidate to replace former Ireland international Syd Millar and was elected unanimously by the 28 members of the IRB Council.

"Rugby has never been as powerful," declared a beaming Lapasset, who did not sport as happy an expression following the defeat of France in the opening match against Argentina nor after the semi-final loss to England.

"The worldwide success of this World Cup has only served to reinforce our fame with the general public.

"It is important for us to continue to build on this success."

Lapasset, who has been president of the French Rugby Federation since 1991 and was president of the organising committee for this World Cup, will have former England captain Bill Beaumont as his deputy.

Lapasset, a former customs official, will take up his new post on January 1 and will surrender his present job in six months time, where he will be replaced temporarily by Pierre Camou.

His permanent successor will be revealed after an election within six months of the Beijing Olympics which begin next August.

"It is an honour for me to follow in the footsteps of someone like Syd Millar who was a player, coach and director at the highest level.

"He knew how to adapt the IRB's strategic plan to the realities of the modern game and to modernise the governing and management of the sport."

Lapasset, though, will face some taxing problems when he assumes the reins of power, including the question over whether the tournament should be reduced from 20 to 16 teams and lobbying for the inclusion of the sevens discipline in the Olympics.