Sir Bill Beaumont has been re-elected as the chairman of World Rugby, beating Argentine counterpart Agustín Pichot by five votes.
The former England captain has been in the position for four years leading up to the elections and has promised to change rugby in the coming years.
“I have a clear mandate to work with Bernard to implement progressive, meaningful and sustainable change,” he said. “As an organisation, we must lead, be transparent, accountable and continue to serve for all. We must be united in our drive to make this great sport even better, simpler, safer and more accessible. We must listen to players, fans, competitions, our unions and regions, and take decisions that are in the best interests of all with our strong values to the fore.”
Pichot had gained some late momentum leading up to the voting with his idea of globalizing and modernizing World Rugby winning a lot of support, but not enough to get him past the line.
It was Rugby Africa and japan who’ss votes proved to be decisive as well as those from Fiji and Samoa.
Pichot remained humble in defeat and thanked everyone involved in his campaign for their efforts.
Felicitaciones Bill/Congratulations Bill!!!
No se dio. Gracias a todos!!!! De corazon / Not this time, thanks to all fo the support , from the bottom of my heart. #globalgame
— Agustín Pichot (@AP9_) May 2, 2020
The first item on Beaumont’s agenda will be to steer World Rugby through the Covid-19 pandemic which has already seen an £80m relief package issued from the organization.
