Stunning late twist in World Rugby election as vote comes down to one man

The fate of the next World Rugby chairman is believed to sit in Fijian Prime Minster Frank Bainimarama's hands.

With the Six Nations and Sanzaar countries locked in a classic north versus south standoff over the future direction of the global game, the Herald has learned one vote from the small nation in the south pacific could swing the World Rugby election Bill Beaumont or Agustin Pichot's way.

Sunday's vote, via email, is understood to be that close.

Fiji's influence comes into sharp view after being forced to withdraw their nomination, Francis Kean, from World Rugby's all-powerful executive committee after his manslaughter conviction, allegations of homophobia while he was head of Fiji's prison service, among other frightening claims, were laid bare in the Sunday Times and by Pacific rugby advocate Dan Leo recent days.

The scandal exposed Kean's position on the World Rugby council since May, 2019, as an embarrassment for the sport which now threatens to derail Beaumont's chairman campaign.

In confirming Kean's withdrawal, World Rugby said: "While it is important to stress that any allegations must be validated, following dialogue with World Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union recognises the seriousness of the allegations made and the need for them to be fully investigated, and that it is in the best interests of the sport that Mr Kean steps down from the Council and his Executive Committee candidature be withdrawn."

Kean, Bainimarama's brother-in-law, immediately stepping down following immense public scrutiny carries major ramifications in Fiji's vote for the World Rugby chairman.

Kean's place on the World Rugby council - a wider governing group with minimal influence - will be taken by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive, John O'Connor.

Pivotally, Kean cannot, however, be replaced on the World Rugby executive committee, effectively the game's global board, as the deadline for nominations has ceased.

Kean's withdrawal allows the seven remaining nominations to the executive committee to proceed without the need for a vote, which strips Fiji of the chance to exert any genuine influence on the future of the game.

Fiji seconded Beaumont's nomination for chairman, but Kean's withdrawal dramatically alters the context of their vote.

A vote for Beaumont or Pichot could be Fiji's one chance to play their one card in the next four-year cycle.