Bill Beaumont v Agustin Pichot: World Rugby election decision imminent – report

World Rugby could reveal its next chairman as early as Sunday (NZ time) after incumbent Bill Beaumont and rival Agustin Pichot reportedly asked to bring the announcement forward.

Voting closed on Friday and the announcement was originally to be made on May 12.

But according to the BBC, one of the candidates has won a majority and Beaumont and vice-chairman Pichot have agreed to bring the announcement forward.

Once that request is cleared by the World Rugby council, the governing body will announce who will lead the game for the next four years following an extremely tight race.

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Each of World Rugby’s 51 council members gets a vote, excluding the chairman, with 26 needed for a majority.

Beaumont, a former England skipper, is regarded as a narrow favorite, with the backing of the Six Nations unions and Rugby Europe – a total of 20 of the votes needed.

However, ex-Argentina captain Pichot’s vow to shake-up the sport has earned him the support of the SANZAAR unions, as well as South America and Asia.

Beaumont’s campaign was also mired in controversy when it emerged that Fiji Rugby Union chairman Francis Kean, who had seconded Beaumont’s nomination, was convicted of manslaughter.

With the North American votes thought to be split, the vote could be determined by Japan and Rugby Africa, the BBC reported.

It has resulted in one of the closest campaigns in the sport’s history and following the closing of the vote, Beaumont acknowledged “the positive and passionate debate” Pichot brought to the contest.

“It’s ignited constructive discussion about priorities that will strengthen the global game,” Beaumont said.