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Australia's Brett Robinson elected new chairman of World Rugby
By Ian Cameron
Dr. Brett Robinson of Australia has been elected as the new Chair of World Rugby, marking the first time a representative from the southern hemisphere has held the position. Robinson, 54, was selected over fellow candidates Abdelatif Benazzi of France and Andrea Rinaldo of Italy following two rounds of voting at the 2024 Interim meeting of the World Rugby Council in Dublin.
The election was conducted by secret ballot, with 52 Council members casting their votes under the oversight of scrutineers and independent observers in line with World Rugby Bye-Laws. This process followed a thorough nominations and vetting procedure.
Robinson will serve a four-year term as Chair, with the option to seek re-election in 2028 for a second term. His appointment reflects a notable shift in World Rugby’s leadership, with expectations that his tenure will bring a renewed focus on expanding the sport’s global reach.
“It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby Chair by my Council colleagues today. During the course of the process, I have had many conversations with my colleagues around the world and am heartened by our shared ambition to continue to build on the strength of our game.
Key priorities for Robinson include ensuring financial sustainability for member unions, executing World Rugby’s growth strategy, developing engaging competitions with commercial impact, investing in player safety and innovation, and maintaining an effective governing body.
“Today, I reiterate my commitment as Chair to do so, to harness the abundant passion in our game and to lead for all, by creating the right culture to deliver commercial outcomes for a contemporary global sport, with the commitment to set a course and see it through.
“I congratulate those elected today and extend my best wishes to those who had the courage to run for office but were not successful. I look forward to now getting to work with the new World Rugby Executive Board, Alan and the World Rugby executive and my colleagues in the member unions.”
Robinson succeeds Sir Bill Beaumont, who concluded his maximum eight-year term marked by historic reforms in governance, international scheduling, and Rugby World Cup expansion for both men’s and women’s tournaments. Beaumont also introduced a modernized hosting model focused on growth, navigated the sport through the global pandemic, and strengthened ties with professional leagues and player organizations, contributing significantly to the women’s game's rise.
Voting results - Chair election
Round 1
Abdelatif Benazzi 21
Andrea Rinaldo 9 (eliminated)
Brett Robinson 22
Round 2
Abdelatif Benazzi 25
Brett Robinson 27
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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