World Rugby is set to announce its new chairman in the next 48 hours, according to reports.
The two candidates - current chairman Bill Beaumont and Agustin Pichot - will learn their fate after election voting closed on Thursday evening.
The result of the vote was not expected until May 12, but the Telegraph report that it will now be revealed within the next two days.
The same publication state that there appears to be a clear winner, meaning a second vote is now not required.
Both candidates have agreed for the result to be brought forward, meaning an announcement could be made over the weekend.
On an initial projection, Beaumont was leading Pichot 24-23 with the four votes of Japan and Rugby Africa yet to be confirmed.
Last night, those close to the Pichot campaign were optimistic that they may have carried the votes of Rugby Africa with Japan poised to split their votes, thus handing the chairmanship from Beaumont to Pichot, the current vice-chairman.
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Here's how the top 10 played out.
