Three candidates are vying to succeed Bill Beaumont as chairman of World Rugby, who is seen here alongside Prince William
NICOLAS TUCAT
The pivotal election to appoint a new chairman of World Rugby, following the tenure of Bill Beaumont, is set to take place on Thursday at the governing body’s headquarters in Dublin. The outcome of this vote will determine the future leadership of rugby amidst changing global dynamics.
There are three prominent candidates contending for the position, each bringing unique backgrounds and visions to the table. Beaumont, now 72 years old, has been a significant presence in the sport for the past eight years, leading World Rugby through various challenges and developments.
Here are brief profiles of the three candidates:
Proposed by Australia, seconded by England
Despite the southern hemisphere’s long-standing dominance in winning the prestigious Rugby World Cup, the 54-year-old physician has the potential to make history as the first candidate from this region to be elected chairman. Drawing from his experience as a former flanker, where he earned 16 caps and captained the ACT Brumbies, he pairs his sporting credentials with a solid background in business and sports administration, having been an executive board member of World Rugby since 2016.
Actively advocating for advancements in the game, he supports initiatives aimed at expediting game flow, such as imposing time constraints on scrum formations and goal-kicking. He is also a proponent of the controversial 20-minute red card, currently under trial, reflecting his progressive approach to rugby regulations.
Robinson, who has conducted research on concussions in collaboration with the Queensland Brain Institute, expresses confidence that his extensive business experience equips him well for the chairmanship. “From my experiences in non-executive board roles, chair roles myself, CEO roles, the chair sets the tone for everything,” he articulated in an interview with New Zealand’s The Post in August. He emphasized the critical role of the chair in fostering effective relationships between the board and executive teams, stating, “An effective chair will allow an effective board.”
Proposed by France, seconded by South Africa
Former France rugby star Abdelatif Benazzi insists that the sport must expand its reach globally
JULIEN DE ROSA
The 56-year-old former France national captain, originally from Morocco, boasts an exemplary and extensive playing career, having been capped 78 times for his adopted country. He profoundly validated his teacher’s counsel in Morocco, who had urged him to pursue rugby instead of athletics or football, leading to his illustrious path in the sport.
Benazzi candidly voices his concerns regarding the current state of rugby worldwide, declaring, “The alarm has been sounded, the boat is at risk of sinking,” as he spoke with AFP. His perspective is that while the Rugby World Cup may give the illusion of global participation, the truth is that only a handful of countries have sustained dominance for over a century. Furthermore, many of these leading nations face significant financial strains, with deficits exceeding 10 million euros ($10.6 million).
Offering a solution, Benazzi advocates for the proliferation of rugby beyond its traditional borders, particularly focusing on Africa. He cautioned against placing singular hope on the Rugby World Cup in the United States in 2031 to deliver unparalleled financial rewards and unlock the U.S. market’s potential. “Today, 11 countries represent 70 percent of the votes at World Rugby, which fosters conservatism,” he stated, underlining a pressing need for reform.
In sharp contrast to Robinson’s views, Benazzi strongly criticizes the 20-minute red card, insisting, “A red card is a red card; there is no need to confuse the issue.” He warns that such a change could escalate violence in the game, solidifying his opposition to the measure.
Having previously crossed paths on the field with Robinson, Benazzi humorously remarked to the BBC, “I can’t remember if I smashed him with a big tackle—now it’s another game between me and him.”
Proposed by Italy, seconded by Ireland
At 70 years old, the former second-row forward has emerged as a less recognized candidate. Despite only being capped four times, he has garnered acclaim as a hydrologist and was honored with the prestigious 2023 Stockholm Water Prize. His passion for rugby remains evident, as he serves on the board of European Professional Club Rugby, where he continues to influence the sport.
He shared with The Times his vision for implementing a more scientific approach to managing rugby, emphasizing data-driven decision-making to shape the future of the game.
**Interview with Abdelatif Benazzi - Candidate for Chairman of World Rugby**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Abdelatif Benazzi! Thank you for joining us today as we discuss your candidacy for the chairman of World Rugby. You’ve spoken passionately about the need for the sport to expand its reach globally. Could you elaborate on what that means for the future of rugby?
**Benazzi:** Thank you for having me! Yes, I believe that rugby is at a crucial juncture. While events like the Rugby World Cup showcase the sport, they often mask the reality that only a few countries are truly involved. We need to actively work on growing the game in regions where rugby is not traditionally strong. It’s essential to create pathways for emerging nations to develop their rugby infrastructure and talent.
**Interviewer:** You’ve used strong phrases like “the boat is at risk of sinking.” What specific challenges do you see facing rugby that necessitate urgent action?
**Benazzi:** The challenges are multifaceted. We see disparities in resources, access, and opportunities for players in different regions. The professionalization of rugby has benefited a few but has left many behind. We need a strategic approach to invest in grassroots programs, coaching, and facilities globally. If we don’t unite and address these issues, we risk stagnation and losing the essence of what rugby offers as a community sport.
**Interviewer:** In your view, what characteristics should the next chairman of World Rugby possess to effectively lead this growth?
**Benazzi:** I believe the chairman must be a visionary leader, someone who understands the nuances of the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels. They must be capable of fostering unity among member unions and advocating for innovative solutions to engage new audiences. It’s vital to have someone who can execute a clear vision while being sensitive to the distinct cultural contexts of nations involved in rugby.
**Interviewer:** As a former captain of the French national team, how has your experience shaped your leadership style and approach to this role?
**Benazzi:** My playing days taught me about teamwork and resilience. Leadership in rugby is about bringing people together, understanding their strengths, and fostering collaboration. I’m committed to using these experiences to build strong relationships at every level of the global rugby community. A good leader must not only be decisive but also empathetic and understanding of the diverse voices within our sport.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to convey to the rugby community and your potential voters as the election approaches?
**Benazzi:** I urge everyone involved in rugby to embrace the spirit of unity. Our sport is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and personal growth. If elected, I promise to work diligently to create opportunities for all, ensuring that rugby remains a sport for everyone. Together, we can ensure that our beloved game does not just survive but thrives globally.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Abdelatif. Your insights are valuable, and we wish you the best of luck in the upcoming election!
**Benazzi:** Thank you! It was a pleasure.