Paris (AFP)

Candidate for the presidency of World Rugby, the Argentinian Agustin Pichot wants to "change mentalities". The former Argentinian international presents himself against the English president Bill Beaumont, outgoing president, of which he is the vice-president. In an interview with AFP, he explains wanting a sport "more democratic, more honest".

The elections are scheduled for Sunday. The results will be made public on May 12.

Q: What motivates you to be a candidate after four years as a N.2?

A: "I think we can have a much better, better-managed overall rugby. We need to modernize the governing body to be even more in the spotlight, to be active but also to work better with the players, the clubs , private capital ... We react often but not always with strategy and vision. I think it's time to do it now. Before the coronavirus, world rugby was already on the brink of crisis. After the coronavirus, we will really be in crisis. "

Q: What are the differences with your opponent Bill Beaumont?

A: "I have been respectful for the past four years so I will continue to be respectful. Rugby must remain honest. I decided to take another route because I felt that the necessary changes were not being made. Bernard Lapasset (president of World Rugby between 2008 and 2016, editor's note) was my mentor: he brought his vision to the game, we went together to seek the Olympic Games for rugby, he offered the possibility to Japan to organize the Cup world ... things have changed but not that much. I couldn't go on for four more years, I didn't want to stay in the system like that. I want rugby to change its mentality and that's for that's what I'm a candidate for. "

Q: If you win, what do you want to do?

A: "If I win, I would love to change things, to change mentalities. I want to make rugby more democratic, more honest. It is leadership that must drive change. For the moment, rugby is very bureaucratic, very 'old fashioned'. And you have to change all that. But I'm not saying that nothing is going well and that everything has to be broken. It's not my management style. I want rugby for everyone."

Q: If you win, will we talk about your League of Nations or Club World Cup project again?

A: "For sure, I'll talk about it, it's in my action plan. I don't know if it will be the end result but we will talk about it. It's a project that talks about integrity, equality , from emerging nations, from investments for emerging nations and women's rugby ... It makes sense. But it will of course involve the clubs in the discussions. If they want a Club World Cup, or if the EPCR ( organizer of the European cups) wishes, they are welcome. It is not enough to get an idea out of one's hat: players and clubs must be included in the debate. "

Q: Precisely, how do you intend to integrate the players into these discussions?

A: "This is probably the easiest. You just have to communicate with them. I have been talking with the players for several months, they must be included in the decision-making process. Organize discussions with them when we talk about calendars, the laws of game ... I don't see how we could do otherwise. I want them there, they are the best ambassadors of our sport. "

Q: You also talk about new technologies, a rugby video game ...

A: "I'm a big fan of technology. I love it. I find it incredible. I remember when the PlayStation, the iPhone, the MP3s ... arrived. I always liked it. I'm a little old now but i'm still playing video games and, if you look at how young people follow sport or tv, i feel like rugby has lost ground. i'm not saying we're going to create a rugby Fortnite or a new FIFA ... We have to think about how to showcase our sport, if you are watching a match, there are opportunities to create another product on top, not just with a second screen or statistics. .. People don't necessarily want to stay 80 minutes before a match but they can get involved anyway: with a Hawkeye to monitor the offside, the speed of the players, the impact of the tackles ... there are so many things to do and we don't take advantage of it. "

Q: There will necessarily be an after Covid-19 and a lot of worries around the financial health of the Federations ...

A: "We are all waiting to see how we are going to get out of it. Country after country. And if there will be vaccines, if we manage to return to normal life ... I am positive, I do not want to Think about the negative, but I'm aware that you will have to be strong. There will be a bill of around 700 million dollars (EUR 645 million) if no match is played this year. And nobody can pay it. someone tells you otherwise ... It is impossible. World Rugby has a reserve of around 120 million pounds (137 million euros). You need an immediate plan to address everyone's shortfall. But no one will be spared. "

Interview by Nicholas Mc ANALLY

© 2020 AFP