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The voting window for the World Rugby election to decide the Chairman position for the next four years has now closed. Incumbent Bill Beaumont of England is running against current Vice-Chair Agustín Pichot of Argentina in a race that is certain to be the closest in the sport’s history.
Electronic ballots were to be submitted to Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) opening on Sunday and closing on Thursday. Many countries have chosen to remain silent during the process but two Tier 1 nations have now confirmed their votes. Wales ended speculation they could change sides by opting for Beaumont, with New Zealand unsurprisingly backing Pichot.
Multiple sources have now stated that the election is extremely close heading into the finale. The standings as proposed claim Beaumont 24 vs Pichot 23 with only four votes still to be decided – two each from Rugby Africa and Japan. A total of 26 is required to win.
The following attribution has been suggested:
BEAUMONT 24
England (3), France (3), Ireland (3), Italy (3), Scotland (3), Wales (3)
Rugby Europe (2), Rugby Americas North (1)
Canada (1), Fiji (1), Samoa (1)
PICHOT 23
Argentina (3), Australia (3), New Zealand (3), South Africa (3)
Oceania Rugby (2), Rugby Asia (2), Sudamérica Rugby (2), Rugby Americas North (1)
Georgia (1), Romania (1), Uruguay (1), USA (1)
It must be noted that much of the above is unconfirmed and, if true, there are surprises. A Romania vote for Pichot would go against that of Rugby Europe, while similarly the Pacific Island nations of Fiji and Samoa seem to have chosen Beaumont contrary to Oceania Rugby’s position.
The USA Rugby board has unofficially supported Pichot, but reports indicate that representatives of Rugby Canada and USA Rugby have convinced Rugby Americas North to split their vote. Rugby Canada has confirmed that their individual vote was submitted on Monday. They will be making a formal statement next week on their final decision.
PwC will officially reveal the winner on Tuesday, May 12.
