Australian Brett Robinson made history today by becoming the first southern hemisphere leader to be elected chairman of World Rugby.
His election took place at the 2024 Interim Council meeting in Dublin, following two intense rounds of voting. Brett Robinson, aged 54, won against strong contenders including Morocco’s Abdelatif Benazzi, a former French international, and Italian Andrea Rinaldo.
Expressing gratitude and optimism, Brett Robinson said, “It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby Chair by my Council colleagues today.” He also emphasized the unity and shared vision within the organization: “During this process, I’ve had insightful conversations with colleagues around the world, and I’m heartened by our shared ambition to build on the strengths of rugby.”
With a fresh agenda ahead, Brett Robinson is committed to a global growth strategy, aiming to increase rugby’s influence and popularity beyond traditional strongholds. He has pledged a renewed focus on player welfare and fostering deeper collaboration across regions, promising an era of progressive change for World Rugby.
As chairman, Brett Robinson’s unique southern hemisphere perspective is expected to bring new insights into how rugby can expand its reach and impact globally. His election represents a significant milestone, symbolizing a shift toward inclusivity and worldwide representation in rugby governance.
