Born: 20 October 1947, in Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées), France.
Following a successful playing career with the Paris Université Club and Agen (with whom he won the French junior championship in 1967), he turned his attention to administration and has become one of the leading figures in the game.
After joining the FFR in 1991 as general secretary, Lapasset was elected president later that year (a position he has served ever since).
Elected chairman of the IRB in 1995/96 he presided over the game becoming open. Returning to council in 1996 representing France, Lapasset played a major role with the high performance committee over the past decade.
A major force behind the France tender for Rugby World Cup 2007, Bernard was nominated as president of the organising committee in 2004.
He is a member of the CNOSF (French National Olympic and Sports Committee) board of administrators and is co-president of New Zealand France Friendship Fund since 1993.
He is Officier de la Légion d’Honneur and Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Lapasset is married with three children.
