Biography
Agustín Pichot, born on August 22, 1974, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a former professional rugby union player widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentine scrum-halves of all time. Known for his leadership, vision, and fierce competitiveness, Pichot captained both the Argentina national team (Los Pumas) and top-level clubs in England and France. After retiring from rugby, he transitioned into administrative roles and became a powerful figure in the global rugby landscape, serving as Vice-Chairman of World Rugby from 2016 to 2020.
Teams by Year (Chronological List)
- 1992–1997 – CASI (Argentina)
- 1997–1999 – Richmond (England)
- 1999–2003 – Bristol Shoguns (England)
- 2003–2007 – Stade Français (France)
- 2007–2008 – Racing Métro (France)
- 2009 – Stade Français (return, brief stint)
- 2009 – Paris (friendly/exhibition appearances)
- Final match in 2009 – CASI (Argentina, exhibition)
International Career and World Cups
International Caps for Argentina (Los Pumas): 71 test matches (1995–2008)
- International Points: 60
- Rugby World Cups Played:
- 1999 Rugby World Cup – Quarterfinals (5th place finish)
- 2003 Rugby World Cup – Pool stage
- 2007 Rugby World Cup – Captain, 3rd place (Bronze medal)
- Argentina National Sevens Team:
- Years: 1994–2002
- Competitions: 7 major tournaments
- 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens: Captained Argentina to 3rd place
Highlights of His Rugby Career
- Scored a try on his debut test match in 1996 against Australia in Brisbane
- Became Argentina’s captain in 2000, leading them through multiple international campaigns
- Captained Los Pumas to a historic third-place finish at the 2007 Rugby World Cup
- First foreign captain of a French team to win the national championship (Stade Français, 2007)
- Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011
- Played in finals of the English Cup (2001), French Championship (2005), and European Cup (2005)
- Widely credited with raising the global profile of Argentine rugby
Personal Life
Outside of rugby, Pichot narrated the Argentine version of the documentary Earth. He has always maintained close ties to Argentine rugby, returning in 2009 for a farewell match at CASI, his childhood club. In that special exhibition, he played all three periods of the match, with every player wearing the number 9 jersey in his honor.
Pichot is also known for his academic and political interests, often voicing his opinions on social and sporting reforms. His last name “Pichòt” means “little” in Occitan.
Administrative Career in Rugby
- 2009–present – Member of the Board of Directors, Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR)
- 2016–2020 – Vice-Chairman of World Rugby
- Key driver behind Argentina’s inclusion in The Rugby Championship and Super Rugby
- Advocated for changes in international eligibility rules, proposing residency requirements be extended from 3 to 5 years
- Ranked the most influential figure in world rugby in 2017 by Rugby World magazine
- Ran for World Rugby Chairman in 2020, narrowly losing to incumbent Bill Beaumont (28–23 votes)
Honours and Awards
- Olimpia Award for Rugby: 1995, 2000
- Platinum Konex Award for Rugby: 2000, 2010
- Best Rugby Player (Argentina): 1998, 2001
- Clarín Sportsman of the Year: 1999
- Supporters’ Player of the Season (Bristol): 2000/01, 2002/03
- IRB Hall of Fame: Class of 2011
Team Achievements
Most Capped Argentine Player for the Barbarians FC
Argentina National Team:
3rd Place – 2007 Rugby World Cup
5th Place – 1999 Rugby World Cup
Club Titles:
Champion of France – 2004, 2007 (as captain)
Buenos Aires Provincial Champion – 1996
Argentine National Club Champion – with CASI
National Sevens Champion – with Buenos Aires (1994, 1995)