What's happened
Brett Robinson from Australia has been elected as the new chair of World Rugby, marking a historic first as a non-European in the role. He succeeds Bill Beaumont after a competitive election against Abdelatif Benazzi and Andrea Rinaldo, focusing on financial sustainability and global growth in rugby.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Graham Bean in The Scotsman, Robinson's election is a pivotal moment for World Rugby, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability and global growth. Bean notes that Robinson's agenda includes prudent execution of World Rugby's growth strategies. Robert Kitson from The Guardian highlights the competitive nature of the election, mentioning the potential for Benazzi to gain support in the final rounds, indicating a divided opinion on the future direction of rugby governance. The contrasting views reflect the ongoing tension between traditionalists and those advocating for modernization within the sport.
How we got here
The election for the chair of World Rugby took place on November 14, 2024, following John Jeffrey's withdrawal from the race due to lack of support from the Scottish Rugby Union. Robinson's election is significant as it breaks a long-standing European dominance in the position.
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