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The new Vice Chairman of World Rugby, Agustín Pichot has been revealed as the most influential person in rugby. The world’s best selling rugby magazine, Rugby World has named the Argentine as being the top of the mountain in their September issue which goes on sale tomorrow.
The magazine contends that his accomplishments prior to landing the coveted vice chairman position make him the most influential person in the sport. Examples cited include securing Argentina’s entry to the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby competitions and restoring the sport to the Olympics after a 92-year hiatus.
Rugby journalist Stephen Jones wrote: “It is possible to tower over Gus Pichot and still feel in awe of him. He is now without doubt the best administrator produced by a non-foundation union of all time.”
The accolade for Pichot bodes well for his country and region in the future. It is also welcome news for Americas Rugby News’ Paul Tait who wrote a book outlining why and how Argentina should host a Rugby World Cup. Pichot wants this to happen in 2027 and has government backing.
Listed by Rugby World in second spot is English Head Coach Eddie Jones. The Australian coached England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and an historic series win in Australia. This just months after coaching Japan to three World Cup pool victories, including one against the mighty Springboks.
Third place went to New Zealand Head Coach Steve Hansen. Having coached the All Blacks to the 2015b World Cup title he is planning on defending the crown in 2019 and in defeating the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
Pichot’s senior at World Rugby, Bill Beaumont is listed in fourth position. He is one place ahead of French administrator, Paul Goze. As President of the LNR, Goze oversees what is the wealthiest rugby competition in the world, the Top 14. Former All Black, Dan Carter is next, behind Goze, in sixth spot.
Fikile Mbalula may have a vital impact as to where Rugby World Cup 2023 will be held. The South African Minister of Sport has banned his country from bidding to host the even due to the union having been deemed to not have complied with transformation policies.
In eighth position is Aviva Premiership Rugby Chief Executive, Mark McCafferty. While the English premiership is not the size of the Top 14 it is a financial giant and continues to gain power, leaving the Guinness Pro 12 behind.
Wallaby back-rower David Pocock made the list at number nine. He was a Rugby World Cup 2015 finalist and is well-known for his commitments outside of rugby. He is apatron of SAVE African Rhino Foundation and the co-founder of EightyTwenty Vision, an organization that partners with a rural Zimbabwean community development organization in Nkayi, Zimbabwe.
Former CEO and President of rugby operations for USA Rugby, Nigel Melville also makes the top ten. The former England test scrum half held the positions for a decade and is now the Director of Rugby for the RFU (England).
