"VAN" (Sports Desk - 28.01.2026) :: World Rugby have announced today that the former New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive and CURUFC alumnus Mark Robinson will be appointed as new Chief of Rugby. Mark, who earned two Blues in the 1997 and 1998 Varsity matches, will join the international federation in May. He will play a key role in delivering the organisation’s new five-year strategy, which places growing rugby’s global appeal firmly at the centre of the sport’s future success.
One of the most respected leaders in the global sport, Robinson will lead a new 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 the iconic Rugby World Cups.
During Robinson’s 6-year tenure as Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, he helped strengthen the international footprint of one of sport’s most iconic brands, expanding the global profile of the All Blacks, Black Ferns and accelerating fan engagement. He previously served successfully as a Council and Executive Board member, and is currently leading a sport-wide review of game philosophy and match official alignment, the results of which will be released at the 2026 Shape of the Game conference, to be held in late February.
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