Pichot challenges for top job and promises revolution
WORLD RUGBY is at a crossroads after Agustin Pichot launched an eleventh-hour bid to challenge Sir Bill Beaumont in the elections to be chairman for the next four years.
The Argentine submitted a six-point manifesto hours before this weekend’s deadline and has revealed his plans exclusively in The Mail on Sunday.
Running against the former England captain, Pichot promises 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 that 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 featuring 12 to 14 Tests per nation per year.
A democratic governance structure. A long-term goal of scrapping the weighted vote 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.
A safe and entertaining sport, featuring a dedicated innovation department to look at projects such as Hawkeye 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 management ‘fit for purpose’ — reviewing internal structures to ‘restore trust’ in the governing body.
Beaumont was 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 — particularly those left in dire financial straits by Covid-19 — and has decided to run independently with no running-mate.
‘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 than his 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… that’s the reality.
‘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.’