New Zealand Rugby has declared its support for former Wallaby Brett Robinson in his bid to become the new chair of World Rugby.
The 54-year-old Robinson, a former Wallabies flanker who has a doctorate from Oxford University, will be up against former Italian second-rower Andrea Rinaldo and Moroccan-born former French lock Abdelatif Benazzi when the vote takes place on November 14.
NZR said in a statement revealing its support: “The former Wallaby brings extensive rugby, commercial and governance experience, and has been at the forefront of championing women’s rugby and player welfare initiatives.”
NZR Chair Dame Patsy Reddy said Robinson brought “a progressive approach and modern skillset that is required to lead the sport globally.”
“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,” said Reddy.
“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.”
NZR CEO Mark Robinson said the sport is ready to position itself for growth through strong leadership.
“Rugby as a sport needs to change and evolve quite rapidly over the next few years as it looks to address some challenges and make the most of future opportunities,” Robinson said.
“Brett brings a deep passion for our sport, successful leadership of complex organisations and has the drive to ensure rugby is more accessible and engaging to fans.”
NZR CEO Mark Robinson. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
In a separate interview with the New Zealand Herald, Mark Robinson further talked up the Australian’s candidacy.
“We think Brett Robinson is the strongest candidate to lead World Rugby because we think he fits what the game needs,” Robinson said. “We’re very supportive of Brett’s candidature and looking forward to seeing how things unfold in the next few weeks but we think he’s got a really good shot at it.
“What stands out for Brett in our mind is the fact he’s progressive and of an age and era where he’s very connected to the player interest around the shape of game, safety and growing value. He has young children who play rugby so he’s tuned into what’s happening in terms of teenage sport.
“He’s led a big organisation in RetireAustralia that’s had to focus on ways to be progressive and grow.
“In terms of his nature he’s curious, hungry for knowledge. He wants to understand positions and he wants to see the game thrive.
“He understands the competing nature of sports that rugby faces, predominately in this part of the world, but the game is not immune to having to differentiate itself from major traditional sports in places like North America.”
Northern hemisphere nations have had a monopoly on the role since Vernon Pugh became the first elected chairman in 1996. France’s Bernard Lapasset served two terms as chair from 2008-2016 before Englishman Bill Beaumont took over.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2024/10/29/he-fits-what-the-game-needs-nzr-declares-support-for-ex-wallaby-in-bid-to-claim-world-rugbys-top-job/‘He fits what the game needs’: NZR declares support for ex-Wallaby in bid to claim World Rugby’s top job
Post a Comment