World Rugby Vice Chairman Augustin Pichot believes now is a good time to assess the value of introducing Japan and Fiji to a new-look Rugby Championship.
Pichot has announced he will challenge England's Bill Beaumont for the World Rugby chairmanship and is likely to get support from the southern hemisphere nations.
Beaumont has promised a major review of World Rugby to transform it into a voice for all nations, not just the traditional powers of the sport, and wants to revisit a global season competition structure that failed to take off last year.
Pichot, the underdog when votes are tallied on April 26, has promised to focus on a more inclusive game that incorporates private investment and gives emerging nations a greater
