World Rugby appoint ex-New Zealand CEO Mark Robinson to key new role

RugbyPass can reveal that former New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson is to join World Rugby as its new Chief of Rugby.

Robinson, who stepped down from his NZRU role at the end of last year, will join the international federation in May.

Within World Rugby’s new five-year strategic plan, the 52-year-old will lead a newly-created Rugby Division, responsible for driving and overseeing excellence on the field, reinforcing World Rugby’s commitment to increasing rugby’s reach, value and the global impact of the sport, maximising Rugby World Cups.

The former All Black turned administrator spent six years as Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, helping to steer the organisation through the challenging times of COVID-19. Amongst other achievements, he was instrumental in the successful hosting of the delayed Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021, and introducing the iconic All Blacks and Black Ferns brand to a wider global audience, particularly in the United States.

Robinson, who won nine caps as a centre between 2000-02, has 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 taking place in late February.

Reporting to Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, Robinson will work with the world leading expertise of Mark Harrington, Chief of Player Welfare and Rugby Services, and Phil Davies, Director of Rugby, in a division that will play a central role in shaping the future of the sport in collaboration with stakeholders.

Robinson’s responsibilities will include uniting the key areas of match officials, game technology, laws evolution, player welfare and fan experience, to ensure that rugby’s pinnacle events, including Rugby World Cups, continue to set the standard in global sport.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “Mark’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for rugby. 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.”

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “Mark brings a unique blend of high-performance, commercial and global governance experience from leading one of the most recognisable brands in world sport. 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.”

Mark Robinson said: “I’m excited to be joining the World Rugby team at a time of real opportunity. 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.”

As part of World Rugby’s ongoing alignment of its operating model to support the delivery of the new strategic plan, General Counsel and former Ireland international Yvonne Nolan is promoted to Chief Regulatory Officer and, along with Chief Financial Officer Neil Hitchen, will now report directly to Chief Executive Alan Gilpin with immediate effect. Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Samuelson is set to leave the organisation this month.