Wales could be country to blow apart Beaumont's hopes, according to reports in UK

According to reports in the UK, Wales could be the country to blow apart Bill Beaumont's hopes of winning the race to remain World Rugby chairman.

Beaumont has widely been expected to receive the backing of all Six Nations countries in his battle with Agustin Pichot, but MailOnline report Wales and Ireland are both now considering ditching him at the last minute.

WalesOnline also reports the vote is expected to be extremely close, with Pichot backed by the southern hemisphere giants, and a splinter among Europe's top nations could tip the balance.

The report claims Beaumont is now pulling out all the stops to convince the Welsh Rugby Union to stay on board, even turning to former Lions team-mates for support.

WalesOnline says it has been suggested Wales have genuinely been impressed with Pichot's candidacy and believe he potentially has the best vision for rugby's future.

The vote for the chairmanship and the executive committee will take place later today and the announcement will be made on May 12th.

Fiji has one vote and they have seconded France’s nomination for Sir Bill Beaumont.

Pichot needs 26 votes to become the Chairman of World Rugby.

There are 51 votes in total.

Reports have come in that Pichot has the backing of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina while Sir Bill Beaumont has the backing of Six Nations teams.

[Sources :MailOnline- WalesOnline]