Former England captain Bill Beaumont has declared himself in the running to become the new chairman of the Rugby Football Union.

The 59-year-old has been tipped to replace vice-president Paul Murphy, who was originally installed as acting chairman due to Martyn Thomas's decision not to stand for re-election in July last year.

"I will allow my name to go forward," Beaumont told BBC Radio Four. "If people within the union feel that I could do a good job, then I think so as well.

"I don't know if being a former top player qualifies you to be good at administration, but I'd like to think that I've got something to offer."

"I wouldn't say that I'm the favourite. There's no doubt there'll be a lot of good people who'll fancy their chances as well."

The vice-chairman of the International Rugby Board has been awarded an OBE and a CBE for his services to rugby.