International – World Rugby Presidency Favourite John Jeffrey Steps Down, Abdelatif Benazzi Holds the Rope

The campaign for the election of the future president of World Rugby is in full swing. Vice-president of the body and the big favourite to succeed Bill Beaumont, the Scot John Jeffrey has announced to everyone’s surprise the withdrawal of his candidacy. Jeffrey said to himself “bitter and betrayed” in an interview with BBC Scotland. Indeed, he was informed that the Scottish federation would not support his candidacy. Some of his decisions, when he was chairman of the board of directors of the federation between 2020 and 2023, would be singled out by the Scottish body, which would prevent him from supporting John Jeffrey in his candidacy to preside over World Rugby.

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Benazzi new favorite?

Abandoned by his federation, John Jeffrey (65 years old) is forced to abandon his candidacy.What sticks in my craw is that I was beaten by my own country, he tells BBC Scotland. My own country withdrew its nomination at the last minute, which is incredible.“He was nevertheless considered the natural successor to Bill Beaumont, who can no longer run after having served two successive terms. There are only three candidates left to preside over the world body: Abdelatif Benazzi (56 years old), the Italian Andrea Rinaldo (70 years old) and the Australian Brett Robinson (54 years old). Without the main opponent, Benazzi seems to be taking on the role of favourite. The last to declare himself a candidate, The former French international has carefully considered his project, after consulting with numerous federations. The elections for the World Rugby council will take place on November 14.