Brett Robinson, 54, has been elected as the new President of World Rugby after two rounds of voting at the 2024 Interim Council meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. This election marks a milestone, as Robinson is the first President of the organization from the Southern Hemisphere, succeeding Britain’s Sir Bill Beaumont, whose maximum eight-year term has come to an end. In his acceptance speech, Robinson emphasized his commitment to deep collaboration among member unions and the implementation of strategies to drive global growth of rugby. He was elected by all 52 members of the Council, surpassing candidates Abdelatiff Benazzi from France and Andrea Rinaldo from Italy.

The voting process, which was conducted in secret under the supervision of independent observers, grants Robinson an initial four-year term, with the option to run for a second term in 2028. Robinson highlighted his focus on ensuring the financial sustainability of member unions, increasing audience engagement through attractive competitions, and promoting player welfare by investing in safety measures and legal reforms. He also celebrated the election of Jonathan Webb as the new Vice President, as part of a renewed governance structure.

A NEW STRUCTURE FOR THE  FUTURE

With Robinson’s election, World Rugby has also revamped its Executive Committee, bringing in six new members who will work alongside the President, CEO Alan Gilpin, and other key representatives. Notable new members include figures like Susan Carty (Ireland) and Bart Campbell (New Zealand), who will represent high-performance unions from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively. This new structure aims to foster an inclusive and disciplined approach to global rugby management, strengthening the expansion and impact of international competitions.

The legacy of Sir Bill Beaumont, whom Robinson succeeds, will be remembered for significant reforms in governance and the international calendar, as well as for his leadership during the pandemic. Under his direction, both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups expanded, consolidating a model that prioritizes growth and the inclusion of women’s rugby. Now, Robinson takes on the challenge of leading in a complex environment, with a promise to continue steering towards a more globalized and financially sustainable sport, ushering in a new era for World Rugby.