Rugby-New Zealand back Australian Robinson as World Rugby chief


  • Rugby
  • Tuesday, 29 Oct 2024

SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand Rugby on Tuesday gave their backing to Australian Brett Robinson in his bid to succeed Bill Beaumont as chairman of global governing body World Rugby in next month's election.

Former Wallaby Robinson, who was nominated by Australia and seconded by England, is going up against former France captain Abdelatif Benazzi and Italian academic Andrea Rinaldo at a World Rugby council meeting in Dublin on Nov. 14.

"Brett is a highly regarded and trusted leader with the strong integrity and commercial expertise that is absolutely critical to leading the future success of the sport," NZR Chair Patsy Reddy said in a statement.

"Rugby requires someone who knows what the issues and opportunities are, is focused on delivering outcomes for all member unions and, importantly, represents the collective best interests of the entire game."

Robinson is an executive board member of World Rugby and chief executive of Retire Australia, the country's largest private owner of retirement villages.

Moroccan-born Benazzi was proposed by France and seconded by South Africa, while Rinaldo, who won four caps for his country, has the backing of Italy and Ireland.

All four chairmen of the global governing body since it became a permanent, elected role in 1994 - Vernon Pugh, Syd Millar, Bernard Lapasset and Beaumont - have been from Europe.

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Alison Williams)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Rugby

Rugby-No divided loyalties for Australia's Harry Potter
Rugby-French federation bans alcohol, proposes drug tests to improve discipline
Rugby-Scrumhalf Spencer to get first England start v NZ
Overseas teams join youth rugby showdown
Rugby-Springboks bring in flyhalf Hendrikse for injured prop in touring squad
Rugby-State of the nations ahead of Autumn International series
Rugby-Roff convinced building Wallabies will be competitive against Lions
Rugby-England welcome Ford, Coles and Hill ahead of New Zealand clash
Rugby-Wallabies' Alaalatoa relishing tour challenge with Lions tests on horizon
Rugby-Springboks call up Hanekom after injury rules out Willemse

Others Also Read