World Rugby elects first Southern Hemisphere chair as ex-Wallaby replaces Bill Beaumont
Brett Robinson has been elected World Rugby chair
Former Wallaby Brett Robinson has been elected as the new chair of World Rugby, replacing the outgoing Bill Beaumont, following two rounds of voting.
The Australian, 54, becomes the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to be elected to the post.
Brett Robinson elected World Rugby chair
Speaking to the World Rugby Council following the election, Robinson said: “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.
“Throughout this election process, I made it clear that my commitment, if elected, would be to work closely with member unions and the World Rugby executive team to deliver:
- Financial sustainability across all member unions amid a rising cost base and wage inflation
- Prudent execution of the next phase of World Rugby’s global growth agenda
- Competitions that drive audience engagement and commercial outcomes
- Fan and player growth through investment in player safety, law reform and innovation
- A disciplined and fit for purpose governing body.
He added: “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 beat stern competitor, and former France international, Abdelatif Benazzi, by a vote count of 27 to 25. He now succeeds outgoing chair Beaumont, who steps down from the role after serving a maximum eight-year term.
The Australian has held roles within Rugby Australia and also won 16 caps for the Wallabies during his playing career.
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