Brett Robinson, the previous Wallabies back-row ahead, has been elected as the primary non-European chairman of World Rugby in an enormous increase for the sport in Australia.
The 54-year-old was voted because the governing physique’s new main official forward of Frenchman Abdelatif Benazzi and Italian Andrea Rinaldo in Dublin on Thursday and can now succeed England’s Invoice Beaumont within the prestigious and influential function.
Robinson, a surgeon turned businessman and sports activities administrator, received after two rounds of voting at a gathering of the World Rugby council within the Irish capital and can serve a four-year time period, with the likelihood to face for re-election in 2028.
It was an in depth affair with Robinson prevailing by simply two votes, 27 to 25, over Benazzi.
“It’s an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby chair by my council colleagues at this time,” Robinson stated.
“Through the course of the method, I’ve had many conversations with my colleagues around the globe and am heartened by our shared ambition to proceed to construct on the energy of our sport.”
Robinson, who was on Rugby Australia’s board for 9 years, has been on the worldwide physique’s government board for eight years, together with his appointment wanting particularly vital for home rugby at a time when the Lions’ go to subsequent yr and the 2027 World Cup is placing the sport firmly again within the highlight.
Robinson, who was backed by English and New Zealand officers in his bid, says he’ll intention to ship “monetary sustainability throughout all member unions” and “competitions that drive viewers engagement and business outcomes.”
He’s additionally promised the progressive evolution of world development technique, deepened collaboration throughout the sport and continued prioritisation of participant welfare.
“As we speak, I reiterate my dedication as chair to take action, to harness the considerable ardour in our sport and to guide for all, by creating the suitable tradition to ship business outcomes for a up to date world sport, with the dedication to set a course and see it by way of,” Robinson stated.
As a participant, Brumbies’ Robinson received 16 caps for Australia and will have received extra if not for his medical research in Brisbane after which at Oxford, the place he proved a victorious captain within the Varsity match towards Cambridge in 2001.
After retirement, he went into the insurance coverage business and is now chief government of Australia’s largest non-public proprietor of retirement villages.
His son Tom is proving a chip off the previous block as a participant, having lately captained Australia schoolboys to their first victory over New Zealand in 5 years.
