Pichot Steps Down from World Rugby

Agustín Pichot has stepped down from World Rugby. He does so having completed his term as Vice Chairman on Tuesday, May 12. The Argentine decided to do so following the recent election results which saw Bill Beaumont (UK) elected for a second term as Chairman.

The former Pumas captain not only steps down from his position as Vice Chairman, he also does so as a RWC board member and President of Americas Rugby.

During his time as the World Rugby no2 the Americas experienced unprecedented progress. Pichot saw the  creation of the Americas Rugby Championship and Americas Rugby Challenge tournaments. Under his watch professional rugby was also born in South America with the Súper Liga Americana de Rugby.

He was also central to the introduction of Rugby Sevens as an Olympic sport and in both Los Pumas entering the Rugby Championship and Los Jaguares joining Super Rugby.

In stepping down Pichot commented:

“The only reason for which I was a member of World Rugby until today, and that has motivated me to run as a candidate for chairman, is the believe that global rugby needs to be changed. Notwithstanding, my proposal, in which I strongly believe in, was not elected, and it is because of this that I decided to take a step back. I do not want to occupy a post simply to occupy it.”

“despite the fact that I will now be exclusively dedicated to family and personal questions, this does mean that I am walking away from rugby. I will always contribute, from where I am, to achieve fairer and more equitable global rugby of which we can continue to take great pride in and be a part of.”