Revealed: The Most Influential Figure In Rugby History

World Rugby vice-chairman and former Argentina scrumhalf, Agustin Pichot has been voted the most influential figure in the game.

The former Pumas captain, who helped Argentina gain entry into the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby championship, tops a 50-strong list compiled by Rugby World. He also played a role in restoring the sport to the Olympics after a 92-year absence and is seeking to revise residency rules and shape the formulation of a global season. He is also widely regarded as one the greatest scrumhalves to have ever graced the game.

Current England and former Japan head coach, Eddie Jones comes second after masterminding a Grand Slam and 3-0 series whitewash of Australia in his first season in charge and pulling off one of the biggest upsets in rugby history when his Japan side defeated the Springboks at last year’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand’s World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen, who has just extended his contract with the All Blacks until 2019, is third on the list.

Top 10:

1. Agustin Pichot
2. Eddie Jones
3. Steve Hansen
4. Bill Beaumont
5. Paul Goze
6. Dan Carter
7. Fikile Mbalula
8. Mark McCafferty
9. David Pocock
10. Nigel Melville