The Englishman has released a manifesto as he seeks to see off the challenge from ex-Argentina international Agustín Pichot and win a second term.

Sir Bill said he wanted to have "a more representative and diverse International Federation that better serves the game, not one that is seen to only support the 'old guard'."

He is running with Bernard Laporte, President of the French Rugby Federation, as vice-chairman.

Governance reform is the first of the pair's five key manifesto commitments, with the pair writing that two independent appointees will examine the role and purpose of senior World Rugby figures as well as its Council, General Assembly and Committees.

The Rugby World Cup and World Rugby's structure will also be examined.

Sir Bill's manifesto pledges too to create a "coherent global competition structure" to come into force following the 2023 World Cup.

This may include an international club competition, while it is also said that Tier 2 nations - such as Fiji, Georgia and Japan - would be among those consulted to create "a global competition structure that better serves the game as a whole".

Pichot has been the driving force behind the rejected World League, an annual 12-team tournament with an in-built promotion and relegation system, which would likely appeal to Tier 2 nations often starved of lucrative games against rugby's elite.

World Rugby's financial policy would also be reviewed, the manifesto claims, with investment models made "transparent" and the organisation's reserve examined.

A Coronavirus Recovery Working Group would be established as well.

Concerning the women's game, the manifesto pledges to implement a global season that will "support growth" and investment in international competitions, as well as programmes aimed at increasing the number of women and girls playing the sport.

Sir Bill and Laporte have also suggested they are open to players switching international allegiance, vowing to review eligibility criteria which currently prohibits players from representing a second international union in their careers, and have promised to make World Rugby "a global thought leader on player welfare" by releasing more funds for research.

"Defining and developing" the role rugby sevens plays and "maximising the benefits of Olympic participation" are additionally assured. 

The election is due to take place on May 12 at a meeting of the World Rugby Council.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the meeting looks likely to be held remotely.

Sir Clive Woodward, who coached England to World Cup victory in 2003, has endorsed Pichot.

The Argentinian has claimed it is time to "redefine the future of rugby" and ensure that "commercial income is becoming a true benefit for all".