Agustin Pichot resigns from World Rugby Council

Agustin Pichot, IRB World Rugby vice-president and former Argentina captain, speaks to Reuters in an interview in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 2, 2017. [REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci/File Photo]

Agustin Pichot has resigned from his role on the World Rugby Council after his defeat by Sir Bill Beaumont in the election for World Rugby chairman.

Ex-England captain Beaumont was re-elected for another four years on May 2 after beating former Argentina skipper Pichot by 28 votes to 23.

Pichot, 45, had served as Beaumont's vice-chairman for the past four years.

He has resigned as Americas Rugby president and the Argentine Rugby Union representative on the council.

"The only reason I have been a part of World Rugby to this day, and which in turn is the same one that has moved me to run for president, is the conviction that World Rugby needs change," said Pichot.

"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 the sake of occupying it."

Pichot won the support of the Sanzaar nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina) as well as South America and Asia in his election bid.

French Rugby president Bernard Laporte was elected vice-chairman under Beaumont.

World Cup-winning winger Nehe Milner-Skudder announced Wednesday he will play for Otago Highlanders in New Zealand's domestic Super Rugby competition after injury and the coronavirus pandemic stopped him moving to France.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2015, helping the All Blacks to World Cup victory with six tries in the tournament, before a string of injuries derailed his career.

After missing last year's World Cup due to shoulder surgery, Milner-Skudder was set to begin a three-year contract with Toulon but the French season was suspended before he moved.

He said he was relishing the prospect of getting back on the field and facing a new challenge with the Highlanders in Super Rugby Aotearoa set for June 13.