“It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby Chair by my Council colleagues today,” Robinson said in a World Rugby press release.
Brett Robinson in his playing days in 1997; he captained the inaugural Brumbies team.Credit: Andrew Meares
“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.
“Throughout this election process, I made it clear that my commitment, if elected, would be to work closely with member unions and the World Rugby executive team to deliver: Financial sustainability across all member unions amid a rising cost base and wage inflation, prudent execution of the next phase of World Rugby’s global growth agenda, competitions that drive audience engagement and commercial outcomes, fan and player growth through investment in player safety, law reform and innovation [and] a disciplined and fit for purpose governing body.”
Robinson, who has represented Australia at World Rugby since 2015, told the Herald in August he was well positioned to address rugby’s global problems after seeing them unfold in his own country.
“Australia is a bit like the canary in the coal mine for the game ... and many of the challenges we’re facing are now right are also in front of many of the member unions, having spoken to them over recent months,” Robinson said.
Loading
Waugh said in a statement: “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.”
More to come
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.