- USA Rugby Board of Directors announce the nomination of Agustín Pichot as World Rugby's representative on the Board.
- World Rugby and USA Rugby to collaborate on sustainable growth strategies that will cement USA as a major player on the global rugby stage.
- Pichot's appointment enables World Rugby to understand USA Rugby's needs and enable USA Rugby top access the international federation's expertise.
LAFAYETTE, CO - USA Rugby and its Board of Directors today announced the appointment Agustín Pichot as World Rugby's representative on the USA Rugby Board.
As the international federation's Vice Chairman and President of Rugby Americas, Pichot is the World Rugby nominated candidate to represent the global organization on the USA Rugby board. In line with a package of investment and support measures recently agreed between USA Rugby and the Executive Committee, Pichot will assist the union's governance and commercial restructure and accelerate the development of the sport in the United States.
Following the USA Rugby board nomination process, Pichot's appointment will enable World Rugby to better understand the growth needs of a major strategic nation that is home to approximately 33 million fans* and USA Rugby to access World Rugby's commercial, development and event expertise, ensuring future growth is sustainable and propels the United States to become a major player on the global rugby stage.
"Welcoming Agustín to USA Rugby is an incredible step forward for American rugby,' said USA Rugby Chair, Barbara O'Brien, "He has a first-hand understanding for the development of rugby and after a storied playing career; owns a genuine passion for the advancement of the game.'
The announcement comes as the USA Rugby community reflects on a game-changing Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco that attracted a record crowd for rugby in the US with over 100,000 seated. Additionally, setting new rugby broadcasting records with nearly nine million viewers on NBC and smashed social media engagement; propelling the sport to a broader audience and providing a new launch pad for rugby to advance both domestically and internationally.
World Rugby Hall of Famer and three-time Rugby World Cup player, Pichot added: "I am excited to be joining the USA Rugby Board as World Rugby's representative. Collectively, we are focused on making USA Rugby the best it possibly can be, providing foundations for sustainable participation, fan and commercial growth within one of the world's most competitive and rewarding sports and entertainment markets.'
"As the World Rugby representative on the Board, I look forward to sharing my knowledge and providing access to World Rugby's technical, development and governance expertise to provide the best-possible opportunity to the USA and cement its place as a major player in global rugby.'
As USA Rugby springboards into a new era, the presence of Pichot brings World Rugby experience and guidance to the organization and its members.
Editors notes
Pichot is a prominent business leader across sport, media and industry. As a player, he represented Argentina from U19 through the senior level, playing in three-consecutive Rugby World Cups. After a decorated 72-cap career, he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011. After retirement, Pichot became a member of the Argentinian Rugby Union (UAR), developing the High-Performance Committee and implementing strategic plans for the growing organization. Pichot was elected World Rugby Vice Chairman in 2016 and is also President of Rugby Americas.
*Nielsen market research undertaken in November 2017
