Beaumont to speak at Dinner

Former England and British Lions Rugby captain Bill Beaumont will be the speaker at tonight's Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club gathering at Mount Murray.

The Lancastrian skippered his national side 21 times and won 34 caps. He also played in seven British Lions matches against the All Blacks and South Africa.

During his career, Beaumont is probably best remembered for leading England to a first Grand Slam in 23 years in 1980.

He retired from sport in 1982 due to injury.

He then went on to star in A Question of Sport on B.B.C. Television and was a popular team captain opposite former England and Liverpool Footballer Emlyn Hughes.

Beaumont is the Managing Director of his family's textile business in Chorley, has represented England on the International Rugby Board since 1999 and is an Honorary President of the Rugby charity Wooden Spoon, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.