The rugby world is preparing for a significant leadership change as the next chairman of the sport’s global governing entity is set to be elected in Dublin on Thursday. This decision comes as Bill Beaumont steps down after an eight-year tenure at the helm of World Rugby.
Three prominent figures are vying for the influential position: Abdelatif Benazzi, a former France No. 8; Brett Robinson, a former Australian flanker; and Andrea Rinaldo, a former Italian lock. Should either Robinson or Benazzi emerge victorious, it would mark a historic moment for rugby, as it would signify the election of the first non-European chairman in the sport’s history. A majority of the 52 votes during the World Rugby Council meeting is required to secure the win.
Let’s take a closer look at these three contenders:
Abdelatif Benazzi, originally from Morocco, was part of the French team that reached the World Cup final in 1999. He has positioned himself as an advocate for expanding the global appeal of rugby, aspiring to draw the sport’s attention to emerging regions, particularly in Africa. Benazzi has emphasized the need for stronger connections between established unions and these new regions, criticizing the current financial strategies in rugby as unsustainable. He has proposed the development of an international competition in Africa to boost local engagement and is pushing for increased representation of developing nations within World Rugby to amplify diverse voices in the decision-making process.
Brett Robinson, a former Wallaby with 16 caps to his name, has served on World Rugby’s executive board since 2016 and is considered a strong candidate to continue Beaumont’s legacy. His consistent support for recent law changes and innovations in the sport, such as the introduction of the 20-minute red card, positions him as a figure of stability. Australia is set to play a crucial role in the rugby landscape in the upcoming years, particularly with the British and Irish Lions tour scheduled for 2025 and the men’s World Cup being hosted there in 2027. Robinson comes with extensive business leadership experience, particularly in the healthcare and insurance sectors, which further solidifies his reputation as a reliable choice for the chairman’s role.
Andrea Rinaldo, at 70 years old, is considered the less likely candidate to win. He has a unique background, having retired from professional rugby at age 24 due to a knee injury. Yet, Rinaldo brings valuable experience from his two decades on the executive committee of European Professional Club Rugby, where he played a key role in overseeing Europe’s premier rugby competitions. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to science, particularly in hydrology and water resources, earning the Stockholm Water Prize in 2023 for his innovative research focused on river networks. His diverse qualifications make him a noteworthy contender, despite being regarded as an outsider in this election.
As the election approaches, the rugby community eagerly awaits to see who will take charge of this influential position, shaping the future of the sport on a global scale.