World Rugby has emphatically refuted claims alleging bribery and corruption in the federation’s recent election process and other governance matters.

The Pacific Rugby Players Welfare (PRPW) compiled and released a report on Thursday, which claims that the Fiji Rugby Union struck a deal to back the tickets of Bill Beaumont and Bernard Laporte, in exchange for France hosting a Test against Fiji every year.

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On Thursday, World Rugby released a statement to refute the allegations:

‘World Rugby strongly refutes unsubstantiated and erroneous claims made by Pacific Rugby Players Welfare and their CEO, Dan Leo, regarding voting influence within the international federation’s recent election process and other governance matters.

‘World Rugby is completely satisfied that the 2020 chairperson election was undertaken in accordance with a robust process with Sir Bill Beaumont elected in a fair and appropriate manner.

‘World Rugby is an advocate of the promotion of best-practice governance structures in sport as evidenced by the recently published ASOIF report on sports governance, which has independently reviewed World Rugby’s governance and ranked World Rugby as a top-performing federation.

‘Reflecting this commitment, World Rugby continually reviews its decision-making structures and is currently undertaking a governance review which is being independently chaired by Sir Hugh Robertson and features player representatives appointed by International Rugby Players on the working group. The review scope includes examining criteria for a fit and proper person test for elected members.

‘Furthermore, World Rugby only recognises International Rugby Players as the global representative body for players. Within its structures, players from the Pacific Islands are represented via Pacific Rugby Players.’

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