It will be seen by some at Twickenham as another Six Nations snub, further proof that England are still being made to suffer for breaking with tradition to do their own TV deal six years ago. The RFU could not have put up a more popular candidate. 'There's nothing as strange as politics,' said Beaumont last night, pledging his full support for Laurans. 'I believe there should be an English chairman but it was always going to be difficult, even though the RFU have worked hard to cement improving relationships. It is disappointing but I've had greater disappointments on the rugby field and in the commercial world.' By the time Laurans' term of office ends in 2005, the Six Nations will have gone for almost 12 years without an English chairman. Allan Hosie of Scotland had held the post from October 1997 and Tom Kiernan, the Irish Lion from Cork, before that. France now hold both top posts in Six Nations rugby with Jean-Pierre Lux in his fourth year as chairman of European Rugby Cup Ltd.