Agustin Pichot steps down from World Rugby Council

Former Argentina skipper Agustin Pichot has confirmed his decision to quit from the World Rugby Council following his defeat in the recent chairman election.

Pichot challenged Sir Bill Beaumont for the governing body's top position but had lost after the former England skipper gained majority of 28 to 23 votes to extend his term for another four years.

The 45-year-old gained the backing of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina along with South America and Asia in his election campaign.

“As of today, I have decided not to continue as a UAR representative on the World Rugby Council, nor as a member of the Rugby World Cup Board, nor as president of Americas Rugby,” Pichot said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”