The result of the vote for World Rugby's next chairman appears to be imminent, and it seems it will go the way of incumbent Sir Bill Beaumont.
Newshub understands the announcement is set to be made on Sunday (NZ time) - almost two weeks earlier than the original date of May 12 - with Beaumont appearing to have the numbers to hold off his main rival, former Argentina halfback Agustin Pichot.
Earlier, Newshub reported two of the Six Nations unions, Ireland and Wales, may swing their vote to Pichot's campaign.
But Wales have since indicated they will be backing Beaumont, and Ireland is set to do the same.
On Thursday, New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey confirmed New Zealand's vote went to Pichot, as frustrations continue to grow with the way the game has been run, and a long list of promises that they believe Beaumont hasn't delivered on.
"The Nations Championship, the lack of progress with emerging nations, the issues around eligibility, and any rule changes," Impey used as examples.
“If you look back over many years, World Rugby has been very frustrating from a New Zealand perspective."
Newshub has approached Pichot for comment.
