Nov 15,2024
Australia's Dr Brett Robinson has been elected as the new chair of World Rugby.
The 54-year-old, who succeeds Bill Beaumont after the end of the former England captain’s eight-year term, is the first chair of the international federation from the southern hemisphere.
Robinson was chosen in two rounds of voting ahead of France’s Abdelatif Benazzi and Italy’s Andrea Rinaldo.
"It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby chair by my council colleagues today," Robinson said.
"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."
Robinson will serve a four-year term and can stand for re-election in 2028.
Meanwhile, former Leinster and Ireland full-back Rob Kearney (above) has been appointed to the World Rugby Executive Board.
Kearney and former New Zealand player Melodie Robinson were appointed following a nomination process led by International Rugby Players.