Brett Robinson Elected Chairman of World Rugby

Australian Brett Robinson has been elected as the first non-European chairman of World Rugby, succeeding Bill Beaumont after an eight-year tenure. Robinson, a former Wallabies flanker, won a close election against France's Abdelatif Benazzi and Italy's Andrea Rinaldo. His election marks a significant shift, as he is the first chair from the southern hemisphere, an area traditionally dominant in the sport yet previously underrepresented in leadership roles. Robinson intends to focus on financial stability, commercial growth, and player welfare, alongside championing innovation and law changes to drive the game's evolution. As the new chair, he will also tackle challenges such as the development of tier two nations and ensuring player safety while maintaining the sport's physicality. His leadership comes at a crucial time with Australia's upcoming high-profile rugby events, including the British and Irish Lions tour and the 2027 Men's World Cup.