Pichot quits World Rugby Council seat

Dublin: Agustin Pichot has resigned from his role on the World Rugby Council after his defeat by

Sir Bill Beaumont in the election for World Rugby chairman.

Ex-England captain Beaumont was re-elected for another four years on 2 May after beating former Argentina skipper Pichot by 28 votes to 23.

Pichot, 45, had served as Beaumont’s vice-chairman for the past four years.

He has resigned as Americas Rugby president and the Argentine Rugby Union representative on the council.

“The only reason I have been a part of World Rugby to this day, and which in turn is the same one that has moved me to run for president, is the conviction that World Rugby needs change,” said Pichot.

“But my proposal, which I fervently believe in, has not been chosen, and that is why I choose to step aside.

“I cannot conceive of occupying a place just for the sake of occupying it.”

Pichot won the support of the Sanzaar nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina) as well as South America and Asia in his election bid.

-AFP

Last month, the French Top 14 season was called off, due to the coronavirus pandemic, after completing 17 of the 26 scheduled matches.

In a video with brother Ardie, Savea announced his intentions to return to New Zealand, opening up the possibility of a contract with Super Rugby Aotearoa, kicking off on June 13.

“I’m open to anything,” Savea says. “Ideally, I’d like to be back with the ‘Canes brothers [sic].

“If that doesn’t happen, it could be another franchise, it could be Japan, it could be the NZ Warriors.”

That leads to Ardie asking Julian if he’s offered an NRL deal, would he make the switch? “I’d be silly not to,” says Julian. “It’s always been on my mind to make that transition, but I’ll be grateful for anything.”

All Blacks teammate Nehe MilnerSkudder - who signed for Toulon, but never played a game due to injury - has signed with the Highlanders for the revamped competition. -Newshub