Agustín Pichot, Council Member for Argentina, has been elected onto World Rugby’s Executive Committee.
Pichot was elected by the World Rugby Council in accordance with the Bye-Laws, replacing Ireland's Peter Boyle, who stepped down following elections within his union.
President of Rugby Americas, former captain of Argentina's 15s and sevens teams and bronze final winner at Rugby World Cup 2007, Pichot has been a driving force behind Argentina's development on and off the field, including The Rugby Championship inclusion and the introduction of an Argentinian team in Super Rugby.
Pichot joins the Executive Committee at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented global growth and popularity with a record-breaking, compelling and competitive Rugby World Cup, reaching and inspiring new audiences globally.
Pichot said: “I am honoured and delighted to be representing Argentina and the global rugby family at this exciting and critical time for our sport. With an Olympic Games in Rio and Tokyo and a first Rugby World Cup in Asia to look forward to over the next four years, I am looking forward to playing my full part in promoting and protecting rugby across all nations during my mandate.”
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Agustín to the World Rugby Executive Committee and am looking forward to his full contribution to the body and its work as we continue to grow rugby across all continents.”
The Word Rugby Executive Committee comprises: Bernard Lapasset (World Rugby Chairman); Oregan Hoskins (World Rugby Vice-Chairman and South Africa); Agustín Pichot (Argentina); Michael Hawker (Australia); Bill Beaumont (England); Giancarlo Dondi (Italy); Tatsuzo Yabe (Japan) Mark Robinson (New Zealand); Bob Latham (Rugby Americas North) and Brett Gosper (World Rugby Chief Executive).