Rugby Australia and World Rugby have confirmed Sir Rod Eddington will be the independent chairman of Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029.
The announcement comes as both parties wrap up talks over the weekend, with Eddington to oversee the delivery of the first World Cups on home soil since 2003.
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This will see the former deputy chair of News Limited and chief executive of British Airways oversee a board of directors comprising World Rugby, Rugby Australia, and a further skills-based Managing Director.
“World Rugby and Rugby Australia have provided Australia with a wonderful once-in-a-generation opportunity to host not one, but two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 and I am honoured and excited to be chairing the board of directors to guide their delivery," he said in a statement.
“Australia has built a reputation for hosting outstanding sporting and cultural events, and I know that the whole nation will rally with enthusiasm behind these Rugby World Cups. By working together as a board, as the rugby family and as the nation, I believe that we will deliver what will be remembered as two of the great sporting events, Rugby World Cups that Australia will be proud of. Game on!”
“As the Chair of our Rugby World Cup Bid Advisory Board, Sir Rod Eddington played a crucial role in the awarding of the 2027 and 2029 events to Australia," RA Chairman Hamish McLennan believes
“The Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world – Sir Rod understands exactly what we want to accomplish for the game in hosting these events here in Australia. He is highly regarded and respected at home and abroad and was central to our work with World Rugby, Federal and State Governments in securing the two World Cups. We are delighted to have secured his services and to lead the events as Independent Chair of the Board of Directors.”
Eddington served as the chairman of the bid advisory board for the 2027 and 2029 World Cups, before it was awarded to Australia last May.
The decision was backed by World Rugby, who were in Sydney for the Sevens as well as to accelerate discussions ahead of the hallmark events.
“Australia is the home of major sports events over the next decade, and we are excited that the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 will be at the heart of this incredible celebration of sport and Australia," World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont believes.
“Working in partnership with Rugby Australia, we have set the bar high with regards to the impact that our Rugby World Cups will deliver on a national and global scale.
"Central to achieving our ambition is the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as Independent Chair of the Board of Directors and we are excited to have someone of his renowned stature, knowledge and passion presiding over the preparation of Rugby World Cups that will supercharge the growth of the sport on a national and international level.”
“Our vision, shared by Rugby Australia, is not simply to host exceptional events that Australia can be proud of, but to be flagbearers for rugby’s ongoing transformation in Australia and the world more broadly," World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added.
“To do this, rugby must be even more exciting, more relevant and more accessible to more people. To that end, we have held excellent and productive meetings with Rugby Australia regarding the purpose of the events and the impact they must drive pre and post-event.
"With that in mind, Sir Rod is the perfect person to lead the organisation of what will be very special Rugby World Cups.”
