This bid for chairmanship feels like a classic Pichot manoeuvre: a quick tap
On a sun-kissed South American morning in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, a man in a baseball cap sat in his garden against the base of a tree. Like all of us, he was held captive in his own property. And yet, there were global moves afoot.
He didn’t look like someone making a tilt at the most important position in World Rugby, challenging Bill Beaumont in the election to be chairman, but as he spoke about his aims and desires for the sport he loves, Gus Pichot was open and relaxed. At one with himself, at one with the situation he has created, at one with the incredibly difficult task he has set himself.
“Why is a very good question,” he said, a laugh sidling from his mouth and his head rolled back to allow his eyes scan the azure sky. This is something those close to him – and now RugbyPass – have asked. “I always like things to be challenging. I’m from Argentina, I could have chosen to play a different sport; I was pretty good at football. But I went for rugby and was always the smallest guy on the pitch. And I have a big responsibility. I always challenged as a player, I always wanted the best system for the players.
“I could have gone for the commercial stuff, media, worked for ESPN. But I wanted to grow the game… I could have waited, could have sat back for four years, travelled the world in business class, watched great rugby games. But that is not who I am. This is what needs to change about the game. We are not here to take advantage of the system – we need to change the system.”
Pichot was an iconic player. Socks rolled down, dark Latin locks tucked behind his ears, wandering eyes, an aqua and white hooped shirt that looked a little too big. And this bid for chairmanship feels like a classic Pichot manoeuvre: a quick tap.
“That’s a perfect analogy. Life is about moments. I don’t want to get too philosophical but it is part of my DNA. Time is very precious and it is critical to go now. I don’t want to be someone watching the show when I have a chance to be on the stage. I have always been that guy. I saw the opportunity and I have to go for it. Things happen when you do.”
That’s why there is no running mate. Because when you go on a run like this, people will come with you? “One hundred per cent,” he agreed, a smile slinking out from beneath his cap. But it isn’t that easy. The former scrum-half is discovering that many bureaucrats prefer the devil they know.
How does he change the mindset of the establishment, those who have been doing what they do for so long? “By showing them that change is not against what they think; that change is not chaos. That is the tool of conservatism for the last 300 years: if you change, you’ll be punished. But of course, it’s not true.
“If I show people that I’m not a crazy Argentinian bent on anarchy, that I want the same things they do, then they will understand where I want to go. Bristol and Richmond were two very conservative clubs in England. I turned up with my long hair and different way of playing. They made me captain. I’m not a stupid person, but I’m also not someone who just hears ‘no’ and takes that as the answer.”
The passion sits within Pichot like a blessing and a curse. It’s sensed he is very aware of how it may adversely affect those whom he seeks to persuade, but it will also inspire different ideas and bring new people to the game.
“We need to do it together. We have to work horizontally, not vertically. I have always worked like that. It is how I used to play: it wasn’t just the captain or coach who gave us instructions. We all contributed. We can’t just sit in Dublin (where World Rugby HQ is based) and push things out to people.
“We have to engage, listen and adapt, not just pass things down. We need to work horizontally as a group of rugby nations and be proactive. We’ve been reacting since 1995, 1987 even. We need to ask what people want from their governing body. We need to be more equal. Otherwise, it won’t work.”
The rugby world represents a half-formed jigsaw puzzle – some bits sit well together, others don’t seem to fit anywhere. Players are being pulled in different directions: Six Nations, Lions tours, November internationals, as well as domestic league campaigns. Wouldn’t it be easier to clear the table and start again?
EXCLUSIVE
“It is nothing against Bill, Bernard or the current regime…" @Garygoldrugby is backing @AP9_ and he tells @chrisjonespress why ???https://t.co/TD1r8pb0o4
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 19, 2020
“It comes back to mindset. If we all agree that we want the whole thing to work, then we have to have a mindset of looking at everything. We all want the sport to grow. I don’t think there is anyone involved in the sport that doesn’t want it to be bigger and better.
“We need to explore everything, but World Rugby doesn’t tell people what to do. As a leader, you don’t do that. We work together and we need to move as fast as the slowest nation. If England or France are moving quicker than Romania, Uruguay or Canada, then the game doesn’t grow. Ultimately, we need everyone to be competitive at a World Cup.”
Speaking of which, Argentina recently stepped out the way to clear Australia’s run to host the sport’s biggest competition in 2027. It could be perceived as a way for Pichot to curry favour with the Antipodeans.
“Maybe I have miscommunicated that. I will tell you the facts. I spoke with the Argentinian government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner six years ago. That was when the idea was first whirring around my head. I followed it up when (Mauricio) Macri won; I went with Bill (Beaumont) to pitch the idea and it was in a very positive position.
“Too many rugby games have been a waste of time and money, highlighting the need for better products if the sport is to really crack the video games market,” writes @CameronJDPetrie in the wake of Agustin Pichot’s comments earlier this week https://t.co/FLcvkcI26P
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 16, 2020
“But since that meeting, Argentina has endured huge financial problems (even before the coronavirus) and we were left thinking, how can we ask the government, the Argentinian taxpayer, to write a cheque for this bid? It just wasn’t possible. It wasn’t the right time for Argentina to host a World Cup.
“We haven’t spoken to Rugby Australia about anything. I haven’t done any trade-off. I have never traded on any position I’ve held. I want a World Cup in the Americas more than anything else. I’m sorry but the wrong message has been received.”
What of the alleged lobbying from people like Bath owner Bruce Craig? “I haven’t spoken to Bruce since San Francisco (2017). But I have a good relationship with him. I have a good relationship with lots of owners, but this is not about the clubs winning or losing.
“Again, it’s about everyone talking and listening to each other. We can get the best for them and for international rugby, but we have to work together. The (global) calendar needs more work. I said that. It needs to look after the emerging nations more. We need to keep listening.”
Developments in the controversy surrounding the Fijian rugby chairman https://t.co/Vu6VHD6alr
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 21, 2020
The more you listened to Pichot, the more his character came through. He was resolute and tenacious, and yet there was softness about his aspect that warmed the soul: romantic but pragmatic, fair and unfazed by the scale of the challenge.
“I’ve been like that since I was a player. To be a part of a team, everyone has to know and trust each other, you have to open yourself up. In my last game for Argentina, the 3rd/4th playoff in the 2007 World Cup, that is what I said to the team: ‘You have my heart in your hands…’
“You can see it, it’s recorded. They knew everything about me: my good, my bad. That achievement, of being third in the world as an emerging nation, of beating France twice on home soil, was all down to integrity. We were able to do that because we knew each other. And if you want to achieve something special, that is how it needs to be. There needs to be more talking, more honesty, more transparency.”
Pichot claimed not to worry about losing the election against Beaumont. He would be perfectly happy back on the paddock coaching the under-16s or wherever the sport takes him. He owes rugby everything and this is, as he sees it, his way of trying to repay the debt.
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments