Agustin Pichot launches bid to become World Rugby chairman

Argentina's Agustin Pichot, who won 71 caps for the Pumas, announced on Sunday that he will run against incumbent Bill Beaumont to become the new chairman of World Rugby.

The 45-year-old has served as a World Rugby vice-chairman for the last four years and says it is time to "redefine the future of rugby".

"It is a critical time and a critical election," said the Argentine in a statement.

"The current crisis is an opportunity for the global realignment of our game. We cannot miss it.

"It is time to align our global calendar and our strategic intent to attract the sustainable investment we need, or risk falling back to individual handouts or grants in the absence of a long-term vision for a global game."

Pichot submitted a six-point manifesto hours before the weekend's deadline and revealed his plans in an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail on Sunday.

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 such as Brazil and Tunisia.

• A safe and entertaining game, featuring a dedicated World Rugby 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 World Rugby management 'fit for purpose' – reviewing all internal structures to 'restore trust' in the governing body.

If he is elected, Pichot would be the first chairman outside of Europe’s Six Nations and his candidature is therefore likely to appeal to unions in the Southern Hemisphere and outside of rugby’s traditional heartlands.

Beaumont, who was elected to his position alongside Pichot in 2016, had already announced his intention to seek another four-year term and his re-election was expected to be a mere formality, with France Rugby president Bernard Laporte likely to serve as his deputy.