New World Rugby boss addresses year which ‘promises to be monumental’ in open letter

New World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has written an open letter to the rugby union’s roleplayers, shareholders and supporters in which he outlines his plans for the global game in 2025.

Last month, former Wallabies loose forward Robinson replaced Bill Beaumont as the head of the global governing body.

This, after he beat ex-France international Abdelatif Benazzi by a vote count of 27 to 25 and, in doing so, became the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to be elected to the position.

Robinson has outlined several opportunities for the game in 2025 and highlighted the Women’s World Cup in England which is poised to break attendance records.

In his open letter, he wrote: “As we welcome in 2025, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead for our sport. Rugby has always been a game that unites, inspires, and challenges us to be better, both on and off the field.

“In my first full year as chair of World Rugby, I am committed to ensuring we seize the transformative opportunities before us and set our sport on a trajectory of continued sustainable global success.

Women’s Rugby World Cup ‘will be a game-changer’

“This year promises to be monumental, with Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 poised to be a record-breaking celebration of our game across the host nation and beyond. England 2025 will be more than a world-class event with record attendances and engagement figures; it will be a game-changer.

“It will advance rugby on the global stage, attract new audiences and partners, and amplify the personality, athleticism, and inclusivity that women’s rugby represents. By leading with the women’s game, we can inspire future generations, strengthen the foundations of our sport, and demonstrate rugby’s unique ability to be both thrilling and transformative, which is very much at the heart of our Impact Beyond 25 strategy.”

The 54-year-old also emphasised the importance of rugby’s players and wants to utilise their appeal to grow the game. He also urged the sport to continue breaking barriers as they aim to make it entertaining while playing in a safe and welcoming environment.

“Our players are the heartbeat of the sport and essential to its future appeal,” he wrote. “We have some of the world’s biggest sporting stars in waiting, with incredible personalities and we must harness that power to create a deeper connection with audiences around the world through our major events. This is very much embedded in our plans for England 2025.

“Our commitment to growing rugby’s relevance and accessibility remains steadfast. We want the sport to be the entertainment of choice, fun to play, and accessible to all, with player welfare at its core.

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“I am proud of what we have achieved in shaping the way the game is played in 2024, but we must continue to push boundaries, ensuring rugby is not only an exceptional spectacle but also a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Our unwavering commitment to player welfare will underpin every decision we make, recognising that our players are at the heart of rugby’s success.”

Robinson said while the short-term future will present rugby with some difficult tasks, there will also be exciting opportunities for the sport.

“We are at the start of an important period for rugby, one that presents both challenges and incredible opportunities.,” he added. “In 2026, we will usher in a new era with the introduction of aligned global calendars for men’s and women’s rugby, including the new Nations Cup.

“In 2027 and 2029, Australia will welcome the world to the first back-to-back men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in a single nation. These innovations will enhance the international game, support the domestic game, provide a more balanced structure, and create a clear pathway for revenue, audience and participation growth at all levels.”

He also expanded on other challenges and opportunities facing union further down the line but feels it gives the sport the chance to expand its horizons.

“Looking further ahead, the expanded men’s and women’s World Cups in the United States in 2031 and 2033, present an unprecedented opportunity to establish rugby as a truly global sport,” wrote Robinson.

‘We are already making great progress in the US’

“By establishing our sport in the US, and bringing it to new audiences, new commercial partners, and new participants, we will take steps to improve rugby’s long-term financial sustainability. We are already making great progress in the US and working hard to create a legacy for the sport.

“However, we must acknowledge and tackle the headwinds facing all sports today – challenges around relevance, financial stability, and participation. Rugby is not immune, but by embracing change, focusing on innovation, and staying true to our purpose of growing relevance and accessibility, we can navigate these challenges while strengthening our core and setting our member unions and regions up for success.

“Collaboration across the rugby family will be key, and I am personally engaging with our member unions to listen, understand their challenges and codesign a refreshed World Rugby strategic plan that provides direction and support where it counts. I am confident in our collective ability to drive progress. We will only succeed if we work more closely together, across the rugby family.

“There is work to do, but with the incredible passion of players, fans, and administrators worldwide, I believe the future is brighter than ever. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, as we lay the foundations for a stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful rugby community.”

“Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and belief in our sport. Together, we can ensure that rugby remains a game for all – a game with heart, purpose, and boundless potential.”

READ MORE: World Rugby elects first Southern Hemisphere chair as ex-Wallaby replaces Bill Beaumont