REVOLUTION
Is this the end of rugby’s old boys’ club? Argentinian great challenges for top job and promises a rugby
WORLD Rugby is at a crossroads after Agustin Pichot launched a bid to challenge Bill Beaumont in the election to be chairman for the next four years.
The Argentinian submitted a six-point manifesto and has revealed his plans exclusively to
Sportsmail, saying he wants to shake up the protectionist ‘old boys club’ with a ‘modernised’ and ‘democratised’ governance.
He believes the coronavirus pandemic will force change in the sport and has built his bid around an amended blueprint of the Nations Championship, a proposed new format to revitalise tours, which was scrapped last June through lack of support.
Pichot’s six-point plan includes: Addressing the challenges of Covid-19 as part of a wider alignment of the global playing calendar, creating a ‘compelling narrative’ for men and women in XVs and Sevens. Clubs, unions and private equity firms will be consulted about an annual tournament with 12 to 14 Tests per nation per year.
A democratic governance structure. A goal of scrapping the voting system that gives more power to wealthy nations, as well as revenue sharing.
A growing grassroots and youth game, including focus on developing emerging nations such as Brazil and Tunisia.
A safe and entertaining game, featuring a dedicated World Rugby Innovation Department to look at projects such as Hawk-Eye technology and a flagship rugby computer game.
Mandatory athletes commissions to put players at the heart of decision-making, with discussions about reducing wages to create sustainability.
A World Rugby management ‘fit for purpose’, reviewing all internal structures to ‘restore trust’ in the governing body.
Beaumont had been expected to run unopposed with Bernard Laporte as his deputy. However, Pichot has garnered support from nations who feel let down by the governing body and has decided to run alone.
‘It is a critical time and a critical election,’ said Pichot. ‘I have a different vision of the game to Bill. I’m not saying mine is better and I don’t have a bad word to say against him, but we think differently.
‘Our sport has to adjust to the modern way. It’s not about anarchy. It’s about modern, equal, professional democracy. We need solidarity and certainty in times of crisis.
‘The system does not trust World Rugby.
‘We have let politics get inside the organisation and that’s not good. I have been a part of it and I should have pushed harder for a fairer system.
‘This is a time to reset the structure of our sport and build a game with global appeal, because the shortfall of Covid-19 will be big. We don’t want nations going bankrupt. It’s about protection for everyone, not just for a few.’
Since retiring from playing, Pichot has built a reputation as a statesman who speaks out against rugby’s conservative and outdated policies. He has become a champion of under-supported tier two nations, who will be given more prominence in his Test calendar. ‘The Nations Championship is the starting point but we need more people at the table to discuss the proposal: clubs; players; unions,’ he said.
‘Things were blocked last year but I believe this virus will change people and change the way they do things. It could create a revolution in our game because you have to look again at the whole eco-system.
‘People will want to talk about promotion and relegation. Everyone needs an equal voice so what is the best way forward? If we want to align the calendar, can the Rugby Championship be played at the same time as the Six Nations in March? How do we create space for a healthy club competition?
‘We need trust between the systems to create meaningful international games. Soccer has done it very well by preserving the club and the international game.
‘Although Lionel Messi earns 20 times the money for Barcelona, he still plays for Argentina in every championship because it’s meaningful. CVC is an instrumental part of the way forward.
‘They are a private equity company with an open mind and they will want things organised to make more money.’
The voting process on the World Rugby council is weighted in favour of rich European unions, leaving little voice for the likes of Japan and the Pacific Islands. England’s vote, for example, is worth three times that of Fiji and Pichot said: ‘The voting criteria at the moment should be challenged. Everyone has to have a voice and the long-term goal is for everyone to have a vote.
‘It’s early days and it won’t be easy but rugby has to be democratic. At the moment, it’s not fair.
‘We can’t keep patronising poor countries with handouts and bailouts: 50 grand to Fiji when they play in England. We need a modern mindset of democracy.
‘Revenue sharing is important. I want the Six Nations to make much more money but I want to redistribute the money in a different way.
‘I want investment in new markets and the women’s game. You want to see the World Cup expand but to do that you need sustainable pathways for nations like Brazil or Tunisia.
‘At the moment, some of the decisions being made look like an old boys’ club.’
Pichot also wants to form an innovation department to look at ways of enhancing the match experience and open talks with gaming software companies.
‘Rugby is old-fashioned in terms of technology,’ he said. ‘I see my kids today and realise importance of esports for the new generations. They play Fortnite, League of Legends, FIFA.
‘All of the established sports markets are connected with digital games and that is a huge means of attracting a younger audience.
‘Rugby hasn’t had decent game since Jonah Lomu Rugby in 1995, so that would be part of the remit for a dedicated World Rugby innovation department.’
CVC are eyeing broadcast renewals as a chance to maximise their returns.
Pichot said: ‘I strongly believe that platforms like Amazon Prime, Google or Netflix will become crucial players to bring more income within five years. But we also need to work with traditional platforms.
‘There has to be a balance with free to air. At the end of the day, the most important thing is the players. The salary of the player, the ability of the players, the welfare of the players. They should have eight to 12 weeks off.
‘If you look at the sports profit and loss accounts, player wages are too high. You can’t go against the free market, but if you pay everyone $2million and you’re making a loss then it’s not a healthy business. It’s never going to grow and it’s never going to be global.
‘We have to adjust to a more modern way.’