Agustin Pichot steps away from the World Rugby Council after a failed leadership offer

Agustin Pichot resigned from the World Rugby Council after losing his bid to gain leadership of Sir Bill Beaumont’s organization.

The resignation of the former Argentine midfielder also means that he has resigned as president of Americas Rugby and the board of the Rugby World Cup.

Despite Pichot receiving the New Zealand Rugby vote, Englishman Beaumont was re-elected to another term as chairman of the World Rugby Council earlier this month.

Pichot, a 71-test veteran, said he resigned because his vision for change was not adopted and there was no point in taking a place on the board for the simple act of doing so.

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Prior to his failed leadership offer, Pichot served as Beaumont Vice President for four years.

“It goes without saying that I am very grateful for the responsibility and trust that they have given me throughout this time,” Pichot said in a statement.

“The only reason I have been a part of World Rugby to this day, and which in turn is the same one that has led me to run for President, is the conviction that World Rugby needs a change. 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 occupying it.

“Although I will now dedicate myself exclusively to family and personal matters, this does not mean that I am moving away from Rugby. I will always contribute, from the place that touches me, to achieve a more just and equitable global rugby that we continue to pride ourselves on participating and being part of “