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A former Wallaby and ACT Brumby, Dr Brett Robinson has been named the new chairman of World Rugby, the sport’s governing body.
At 54, Robinson becomes the first chairman appointed from the southern hemisphere.
He was chosen ahead of former France’s Abdelatif Benazzi (by two votes) by the 52 members of the World Rugby Council in a secret ballot held in Dublin, Ireland.
“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,” he says.
He outlined the following key priorities for his term: financial sustainability, continual growth, successful competitions, fan and player growth and a fit-for-purpose governing body.
He succeeds Sir Bill Beaumont who’s maximum eight-year term has ended.
Rugby Australia offered its congratulations to the former loose forward.
“Rugby Australia is proud to have supported Brett’s bid for World Rugby chair and looks forward to working closely with him in the years ahead,” said Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh.
“This is an exciting time for rugby around the world and Brett is the perfect candidate to lead the game into a confident and prosperous new era. Rugby Australia shares Brett’s vision for the future of rugby and endorses his proposed reforms that will evolve and grow the game worldwide.
Born in Toowoomba, Robinson became the Brumbies’ inaugural captain in 1996 and played for the Wallabies in 16 Tests from 1996 to 1998 as a flanker.
Robinson obtained a doctorate of Philosophy in clinical orthopaedics at Oxford, UK, before he launched a corporate and sports governance career, which included a nine-year stint on the board of Rugby Australia.
He has represented Australia on the World Rugby executive board since 2016.
“Brett’s corporate and rugby credentials are impeccable …. I have no doubt his progressive leadership will propel rugby around the world to new heights,” said Rugby Australia chairman Daniel Herbert.
Next year, Australia will host a 10-game British and Irish Lions tour then the men’s and women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2029 respectively and a home Olympics in 2032.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies will meet Wales on Monday morning (Australian time) in the next game of their Northern Hemisphere tour.
