Dr. Brett Robinson of Australia has been elected as the new chairman of World Rugby, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first president from the Southern Hemisphere. His election occurred during the 2024 interim World Rugby Council meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, where he emerged victorious after two rounds of voting against competitors Abdelatiff Benazzi from France and Andrea Rinaldo from Italy.
The election process was conducted through a secret ballot, supervised by independent scrutineers to ensure integrity in accordance with World Rugby’s Constitution. Robinson will serve a four-year term, with the option to run for re-election in 2028.
In his first remarks to the Council, Robinson expressed his gratitude and commitment to the sport, stating, “It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected as World Rugby chairman by my colleagues on Council.” He emphasized the importance of collaborating closely with member unions and the World Rugby executive team to achieve several key objectives, including:
– Ensuring financial sustainability for member unions amidst rising costs and wage inflation.
– Implementing the next phase of World Rugby’s global growth agenda responsibly.
– Enhancing skills that foster audience engagement and successful business outcomes.
– Expanding the fan and player base through investments in player safety, legal reforms, and innovation.
– Establishing a disciplined and effective governing body.
Robinson expressed his commitment to harnessing the passion of the sport and leading with a focus on delivering commercial results in an evolving global landscape. He congratulated all those who were elected and acknowledged the efforts of those who ran for office but were not successful, conveying his eagerness to work with the new World Rugby Executive Committee and other member unions.
Robinson takes over from Sir Bill Beaumont, who has concluded his eight-year term. Beaumont is recognized for his significant contributions, including governance reforms, the expansion of both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, and navigating the challenges presented by the global pandemic while strengthening ties with professional leagues and player bodies.
This leadership change represents a hopeful new chapter for World Rugby as it seeks to innovate and grow in the coming years. Robinson’s vision and commitment to collaboration signal a proactive approach to address the challenges facing the sport and enhance its global presence.
Overall, Robinson’s election brings optimism for the future of rugby, promising advancements in engagement and sustainability that can elevate the sport for players and fans alike.
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