Dr. Brett Robinson of Australia has been elected as the new chairman of World Rugby following two rounds of voting at the 2024 interim World Rugby Council meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. At 54 years old, he becomes the first chairman to be elected from the Southern Hemisphere. Robinson was selected by the 52-member council after a competitive voting process that included candidates Abdelatiff Benazzi from France and Andrea Rinaldo from Italy.
The election was conducted through a secret ballot that was overseen by independent scrutineers and observers, adhering to World Rugby’s Constitution after a careful nomination and verification process. Robinson is set to serve a four-year term, with an option to seek re-election for a second term in 2028.
In his address to the council, Robinson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead, stating that it is an “immense privilege and honour” to be elected as chairman. Throughout the election process, he engaged in numerous discussions with colleagues globally, fostering a shared ambition to strengthen the sport.
He outlined his commitment to working closely with member unions and the World Rugby executive team to focus on key priorities, including:
– Ensuring financial sustainability for member unions amidst rising costs
– Strategically executing the next phase of World Rugby’s global growth agenda
– Enhancing audience engagement and business outcomes
– Expanding the fan and player base through investments in player safety and innovations
– Creating a robust and efficient governing body
Robinson emphasized his dedication to promoting a culture that drives commercial success in the contemporary landscape of global sports, highlighting the need to utilize the passion of the rugby community.
He also congratulated other elected officials and acknowledged his predecessor, Sir Bill Beaumont, for his impactful eight-year tenure. Beaumont’s leadership brought historical governance reforms, propelled advancements in both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, and strengthened professional leagues and player relationships, notably during the challenges of the global pandemic.
Robinson’s election marks a hopeful new chapter for World Rugby, as he aims to build on the solid foundation set by his predecessor and lead the sport towards a sustainable and thriving future.
This leadership transition can inspire optimism within the rugby community as World Rugby is poised to enhance its global reach and increase participation in the sport, nurturing future talent and reinforcing the sport’s appeal to fans worldwide.
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