On November 14, 2024, World Rugby will hold a crucial election to determine its next president during the Interim Council Meeting in Dublin, Ireland. Three candidates with distinct visions and strong backing have been confirmed for this race: Abdelatif Benazzi from France, Andrea Rinaldo from Italy, and Brett Robinson from Australia. This presidential race stands out by moving away from the classic nationalities of previous leaders but, nonetheless, features the backing of major figures and powerful federations in the sport, highlighting the significance of their proposals.
These candidates are not only vying for a leadership position but are also committed to transforming and securing the future of rugby worldwide, tackling challenges such as expanding the game, economic sustainability, and including new regions in the sport.
ABDELATIF BENAZZI, SUPPORTED BY SOUTH AFRICA
Abdelatif Benazzi, a former international rugby player born in Morocco and naturalized French, has launched his candidacy with a clear message: rugby needs profound changes to survive. Nominated by the French Rugby Federation and supported by South Africa, Benazzi argues that the current model is outdated. His vision includes expanding rugby beyond its traditional unions, incorporating new competitions, and exploring territories that have yet to be developed in the sport.
For Benazzi, the globalization of rugby is essential to ensure its growth and prevent stagnation. He also calls for improved governance and the inclusion of new nations in decision-making, asserting that rugby’s future depends on diversifying its markets and attracting new audiences: “We need change that not only focuses on economic gain but also respects rugby’s values,” Benazzi has stated.
ANDREA RINALDO, AN ITALIAN-BACKED CANDIDACY
Andrea Rinaldo, a scientist and prominent figure in Italy’s rugby community, has the support of Italy and Ireland. Although perhaps not widely known to the general public, Rinaldo is respected in both the sports and scientific communities. His candidacy has been well-received in Italy, where it is seen as an opportunity to consolidate rugby’s growth in the country. Giovanni Malagó, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), praised Rinaldo’s candidacy as: “strong, credible, and authoritative,” emphasizing the pride it represents for Italy.
In addition to his role on the World Rugby Council, Rinaldo has shown interest in global issues like climate change, reflecting his focus on sustainability. His vision for rugby is marked by concern for long-term development and the implementation of policies that strengthen European competitions without neglecting the environment and player welfare.
BRETT ROBINSON, THE AUSTRALIAN CANDIDATE
Brett Robinson, supported by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) of England, aims to bring his experience as Australia’s representative to the World Rugby presidency. Robinson has a solid track record in rugby administration in Australia, a nation that has recently faced financial challenges within its federations. His focus is on strengthening competitions and developing stronger structures to ensure the economic stability of federations.
Robinson has also expressed interest in maintaining a balance between traditional and emerging federations, fostering an inclusive development model that boosts the growth of second-tier teams and allows more countries to compete at a high level. With the support of the RFU, his candidacy represents a commitment to the internal improvement of World Rugby and the consolidation of rugby in his region.
