Rugby Australia congratulates Dr Brett Robinson on his historic election as World Rugby chair.
Robinson, 54, is the first candidate from the Southern Hemisphere to ascend to the position of World Rugby chair following a vote of the 52-member council in Dublin overnight.
Robinson was chosen over fellow candidates Abdel Benazzi from France and Italy’s Andrea Rinaldi. The Australian secured 22 votes in the first round of voting ahead of Benazzi (21) and Rinaldi (9). In the second round, Robinson prevailed over Benazzi 27-25.
Robinson will replace England’s Sir Bill Beaumont, who chaired World Rugby over two terms that featured the consolidation of the global calendar, the rapid growth of women’s rugby and the game’s successful reemergence from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“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.
“On behalf of Rugby Australia, I would also like to thank outgoing World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont for his outstanding contribution to the game since taking on the role of chair in 2016. Bill leaves the game in a better place.”
Born in Toowoomba, Robinson made history when he became the Brumbies’ inaugural captain in 1996 and went on to represent the Wallabies in 16 Tests between 1996 and 1998 as a flanker.
Robinson obtained a doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Orthopaedics at Oxford before launching a successful 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 and I have no doubt his progressive leadership will propel rugby around the world to new heights,” said Rugby Australia chair Daniel Herbert.
“We look forward to the experience, modern thinking, tremendous energy and unparalleled passion for the game Brett will bring to his new role. To have an Australian in this role is historic and speaks to our global standing in the game. World Rugby is truly in the best of hands.
“From 2025, Australia will be the epicentre of the rugby world with the British and Irish Lions tour, men’s and women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2029 respectively and a home Olympics. There has never been a better time to play rugby or be a fan in Australia with the procession of significant global rugby events being held on our shores.”
