Brett Robinson Takes Role as the Most Powerful Man in World Rugby

Brett Robinson, an Australian with a distinguished playing career, has been elected as the new Chair of World Rugby. Having been capped 16 times by the Wallabies and serving as captain of the ACT Brumbies, Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the role. His career has been marked not only by sporting achievements but also a commitment to improving people’s well-being.

Robinson’s leadership journey spans both sport and business. After retiring from rugby, he moved into business and sports administration, including a notable stint as the CEO of RetireAustralia. His motivation stems from personal experiences, particularly with his late father, who faced inadequate care in an aged care facility. Robinson is determined to make a difference in areas where care systems fall short, reflecting his deep commitment to well-being.

As World Rugby’s new Chair, Robinson faces a range of global challenges, from balancing the interests of players, unions, and sponsors to navigating complex global issues. However, his approach remains focused on collaboration, drawing on his belief that sport and business share similar principles of teamwork. One of his key insights is that the success of an organisation is closely linked to its leadership, emphasising the importance of the chair in setting the tone for the entire board.

Robinson has made player welfare a central focus of his tenure, having previously contributed to concussion research at the Queensland Brain Institute. He supports the introduction of measures like the 20-minute red card and time limits on scrums and goal kicks, aiming to improve the pace of the game without compromising player safety. Robinson’s pragmatic approach, coupled with his experience in both rugby and business, positions him to lead World Rugby through a period of significant change.

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