Ex Argentine scrum-half on campaign to become World Rugby chairman

Tuesday, April 14th 2020 - 07:19 UTC

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“Rugby is old-fashioned in terms of technology,” Pichot said. “I see my kids today and realize importance of e-sports for the new generations. They play Fortnite, League of Legends, FIFA”

Former Argentina scrum-half Agustin Pichot has launched his campaign to become chairman of World Rugby. Pichot has drawn up a six-point plan to force change in the world of rugby - with one part, in particular, catching the eye of many.

In addition to adjusting the global calendar, Pichot is keen to grow the game with a flagship video game - like the FIFA series does for football or Madden does for American Football.

“Rugby is old-fashioned in terms of technology,” Pichot told MailOnline.

“I see my kids today and realize importance of e-sports for the new generations. They play Fortnite, League of Legends, FIFA.

”All of the established sports markets are connected with digital games and that is a huge means of attracting a younger audience. FIFA 2020, NBA 2K20, NFL Madden.

“Rugby hasn't had decent game since Jonah Lomu Rugby in 1995, so that would be part of the remit for a dedicated World Rugby innovation department.

”You need to think about how you approach the modern fan. Young boys and girls. It's not rocket science.”

Regardless of Pichot's wider plans and whether he's the right man to head up World Rugby, it's hard to argue against the lack of a decent rugby game for some time.

Given how fans of other sports have been able to keep themselves preoccupied with video game versions of their beloved sports during the coronavirus outbreak, it only brings the lack of good rugby games.

Many fans have taken to social media to post their excitement at the prospect of a playable version of virtual rugby.