NZR calls for ‘courage’
SYDNEY: New Zealand Rugby has called on World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont to take the courageous decisions necessary to ensure elite rugby is sustainable for more than just a few nations.
Former England captain Beaumont won a second fouryear term by beating Argentine Augustin Pichot 2823 in a ballot of the World Rugby Council.
Pichot, calling for rootandbranch change in the game with an emphasis on helping developing nations, had attracted the support of the southern hemisphere powers but failed to make any headway in Europe.
NZR chairman Brent Impey congratulated Beaumont on his success but said the 68yearold must recognise that the short election campaign had revealed a huge appetite for change.
‘‘We are of course disappointed for Agustin Pichot as he had our vote, and it is important to us that whoever won the election will heed the calls for change to the game,’’ he said.
‘‘There is still a level of governance reform that is overdue, and it would be good to see the courage taken to make the decisions needed to ensure the continued sustainability and success of rugby globally; not just for a limited number of unions and regions.’’
Former Argentina halfback Pichot, who has served as Beaumont’s vicechairman for the past four years, posted a short statement on Twitter.
‘‘Congratulations Bill!’’ he wrote. ‘‘Not this time, thanks to all for the support from the bottom of my heart.’’
During his campaign, Beaumont promised an independent review of World Rugby’s governance and to spearhead the drive for a global calendar. — Reuters