New Zealand follows Australia in backing Agustin Pichot
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New Zealand Rugby boss Brent Impey has confirmed his governing body has voted for Agustin Pichot in World Rugby's chairmanship election.
However, Impey still expects a close race between Pichot and incumbent Sir Bill Beaumont. Current World Rugby vice-chairman Pichot has already been endorsed by Australia and South Africa is expected to fall in line.
Beaumont is expected to get the backing from the Six Nations unions for a second four-year term with Rugby Europe also confirming that they have backed Beaumont.
"We have felt dissatisfaction over the lack of progress over the last few years over a range of issues, whether they be the Nations Championship, emerging nations, issues around eligibility, rule changes," said NZR chairman Impey, who is also the chairman of SANZAAR.
"While we've got great respect for Bill Beaumont as an individual, this has become an issue where there has been a lot of self-protection from existing players versus those of us, particularly the SANZAAR nations, who want to see the game grow.
"That's why we have supported (Pichot). If you look back over many years World Rugby has been very frustrating from a New Zealand perspective."
