New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey says they voted for Agustin Pichot because World Rugby needs a major overhaul.

It came as no real surprise that NZ Rugby are backing the former Argentina captain but Impey had a clear message for the sport's governing body.

"If you look back over many years, World Rugby has been very frustrating from a New Zealand perspective," Impey said.

"And I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was the Nations Championship, which we were strongly in favour of."

Impey was referring to plans for a global tournament called the Nations Championship but northern hemisphere countries were against it, opting to protect their positions in the Six Nations.

He added that NZ Rugby wanted to help teams such as Japan and Fiji get more exposure but that would not be possible if World Rugby was unable to launch the championship.

"That was the straw that said ‘this organisation needs major reform, I see both candidates have got a platform of governance reform and that is also overdue.

"We have felt dissatisfaction over the lack of progress over the last few years, on a range of issues.

"While we have great respect for Bill Beaumont as an individual, this has become an issue where there has been a lot of self-protection from existing players (northern unions) versus those of us, particularly the Sanzaar nations, who want to see the game grow.

"That is why have supported him (Pichot)."

Pichot has already been endorsed by Australia and South Africa are also expected to give their vote to the former Pumas catpain.

However, the IRFU and the other Six Nations unions are set to vote in favour of Bill Beaumont's re-election for a second four-year term.

World Rugby will confirm its new chairman at its annual general meeting on May 12th.