“Over the course of the process, I have had many conversations with my colleagues from around the world and I am encouraged by our shared ambition to continue to build on the strength of our sport.”
World Rugby chairman Dr Brett Robinson is the first president elected from the Southern Hemisphere.
Australia’s Dr Brett Robinson has been elected as the new chairman of World Rugby, following two rounds of voting at the 2024 interim World Rugby Council meeting in Dublin, Ireland.
Robinson, 54, is the first president elected from the Southern Hemisphere. He was chosen by the 52-member Council over candidates Abdelatiff Benazzi (France) and Andrea Rinaldo (Italy).
The secret ballot was overseen by independent scrutineers and observers in accordance with World Rugby’s Constitution following a nomination and verification process. Robinson will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of standing for re-election for a second four-year term in 2028.
Speaking to Council, Robinson said: “It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected as World Rugby chairman by my colleagues on Council.
“Over the course of the process, I have had many conversations with my colleagues from around the world and I am encouraged by our shared ambition to continue to build on the strength of our sport.”
Robinson said this election process, have made it clear of his commitment, if elected, will be to work closely with member unions and the World Rugby executive team to achieve;
• Financial sustainability across all member unions amid rising costs and wage inflation
• Prudent execution of the next phase of World Rugby’s global growth agenda
• Skills that drive audience engagement and business results
• Growing the fan and player base through investment in player safety, legal reform and innovation
• A disciplined and fit-for-purpose governing body.
“I reaffirm my commitment as chairman to do just that, to harness the abundant passion of our game and lead for all, creating a culture fit to deliver commercial results in a contemporary global sport, with a commitment to set a course and see it through.”
“I congratulate those elected today and send my best wishes to those who had the courage to run for office without success. I look forward to working with the new World Rugby Executive Committee, with Alan and the World Rugby Executive and my colleagues in the member unions.”
Robinson succeeds Sir Bill Beaumont, whose eight-year term in office has officially ended. Among his many highlights, Beaumont will be remembered as the leader who drove historic governance and international calendar reform, the expansion of men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups and a modernised Rugby World Cup delivery model focused on delivering growth and impact, and the rise of the women’s game.
He also steered rugby through the turbulence of the global pandemic, while deepening relationships with professional leagues and player bodies.
– World Rugby
