Dr. Brett Robinson of Australia has been officially elected as the new chairman of World Rugby during the 2024 interim World Rugby Council meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. At 54 years old, Robinson makes history as the first president to be elected from the Southern Hemisphere. He triumphed over other candidates, Abdelatiff Benazzi from France and Andrea Rinaldo from Italy, after two rounds of voting by the 52-member Council.
The election process was carefully conducted under the auspices of independent scrutineers to ensure transparency, adhering to World Rugby’s Constitution following a thorough nomination and verification process. Robinson’s term will last for four years, with the potential for re-election in 2028.
In his address to the Council, Robinson expressed immense gratitude for his election and emphasized the collaborative spirit he observed among his colleagues worldwide. He highlighted a shared commitment to advancing the sport of rugby globally.
Robinson outlined his primary focuses for the role, which include:
– Ensuring financial sustainability for all member unions amidst rising costs and wage inflation.
– Effectively implementing World Rugby’s global growth agenda.
– Enhancing audience engagement and business outcomes through skill development.
– Expanding the fan and player base by investing in player safety, legal reform, and innovation.
– Strengthening the governing body’s effectiveness and discipline.
He reiterated his dedication to harnessing the passion of rugby to support commercial success in a modern global sports environment and acknowledged the contributions of those elected alongside him, as well as competitors who ran for office.
Robinson takes over from Sir Bill Beaumont, who has concluded an impactful eight-year tenure marked by significant governance reforms, an enhanced international calendar, and increased visibility for both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups. Beaumont’s leadership during the challenges posed by the global pandemic and his efforts in building robust relationships with professional leagues and players have left a lasting legacy.
In summary, Dr. Brett Robinson’s election promises exciting opportunities for the future of World Rugby, grounded in collaboration and innovation. His vision to enhance the sport could lead to increased engagement and growth, especially as the sport continues to evolve on the global stage.
This positive development indicates a promising future for rugby, potentially making it more inclusive and commercially viable while expanding its audience reach and reinforcing its foundational principles.
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