World Rugby Appoints Mark Robinson Chief of Rugby

World Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Mark Robinson, the former chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, as its new chief of rugby.

Robinson will join the international federation in May, marking a key milestone in its five-year strategy to grow the sport’s global appeal.

In his upcoming position, he will lead a new Rugby Division, which is responsible for driving and overseeing excellence on the field, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to increasing rugby’s reach, value and the global impact of the sport, and maximizing the Rugby World Cups.

Robinson previously served as chief executive of New Zealand Rugby for six years. During his tenure with the federation, he was tasked with strengthening the global profile of the All Blacks and Black Ferns, as well as enhancing fan engagement in locations such as the United States.

Having also previously served as a Council and Executive Board member, he is currently leading a sport-wide review of game philosophy and match official alignment which will report back at the 2026 Shape of the Game conference next month.

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, Robinson will work alongside Mark Harrington, chief of player welfare and rugby services, and Phil Davies, director of rugby, to shape the future of the sport in collaboration with stakeholders. This includes uniting the key areas of match officials, game technology, laws evolution, player welfare and fan experience.

“Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for rugby,” said World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson. “Over his rugby playing and administrative career, Mark has built trusted global relationships with key stakeholders, and as we embark on the delivery of a bold new five-year strategy, his leadership, rugby intelligence and knowledge will be instrumental in reimagining how our great game grows and thrives.”

“Mark brings a unique blend of high-performance, commercial and global governance experience from leading one of the most recognisable brands in world sport,” said Gilpin. “I’m delighted to be welcoming him to World Rugby, Mark’s understanding of fan engagement, elite pathways and modern rugby operating models makes him exceptionally well placed to lead our new, strengthened Rugby Division and help deliver a more accessible, competitive and compelling global game.”

“I’m excited to be joining the  World Rugby team at a time of real opportunity,” said Mark Robinson. “The game is evolving rapidly, and the way players and fans engage with rugby is changing. I’m excited for the chance to help shape a future that enhances the spectacle for fans, supports unions and protects rugby’s core values on a global stage. I look forward to contributing to a strategy that ensures rugby continues to grow in relevance, reach and impact.”

Team Changes

In other changes to World Rugby’s team, General Counsel and former Ireland international Yvonne Nolan has been promoted to chief regulatory officer while Neil Hitchen has been named chief financial officer. Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Samuelson is set to leave the organization this month.

Australia will host the next Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029. After that, the United States will host the Men’s and Women’s tournaments two years apart, in 2031 and 2033 respectively.