Brett Robinson Bids for World Rugby Leadership

New Zealand Rugby supports Brett Robinson, an Australian, in the upcoming World Rugby chairman election. Robinson will compete against Abdelatif Benazzi and Andrea Rinaldo. New Zealand commends Robinson's leadership qualities, necessary for advancing global rugby. The election will take place at a World Rugby council meeting in Dublin.

New Zealand Rugby has officially endorsed Australian Brett Robinson in his campaign to become the next chairman of World Rugby. Robinson, a former Wallaby, is set to challenge Frenchman Abdelatif Benazzi and Italian academic Andrea Rinaldo in an election scheduled for November 14 in Dublin.

Nominated by Australia and seconded by England, Robinson is recognized by NZR Chair Patsy Reddy as a leader possessing both integrity and commercial acuity, essential for the sport's progression. Reddy emphasized the necessity of a chairman who understands the sport's issues and opportunities and can represent the diverse interests of its member unions.

Robinson, currently a World Rugby executive board member and CEO of Retire Australia, comes against rivals with solid backing—Benazzi, nominated by France and seconded by South Africa, and Rinaldo, supported by Italy and Ireland. Notably, all previous chairmen since the role became elected in 1994 have hailed from Europe.

(With inputs from agencies.)