World Rugby Chief Rejects League Comparisons, Focuses on Game Unity & 2027 World Cup
- World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has dismissed suggestions that the sport is converging with rugby league, while acknowledging ongoing discussions about the evolution of the game.
- Robinson, speaking on February 3, 2026, defended the decision to have Australia open the tournament against Hong Kong China, anticipating a significant mismatch in competition levels.
- “I actually think we're better than we've ever been,” Robinson told reporters.
World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson has dismissed suggestions that the sport is converging with rugby league, while acknowledging ongoing discussions about the evolution of the game. The comments came following the release of the schedule for the Rugby World Cup in Australia, and as the northern and southern hemispheres prepare for their respective league seasons.
Robinson, speaking on , defended the decision to have Australia open the tournament against Hong Kong China, anticipating a significant mismatch in competition levels. He addressed concerns about the direction of rugby amidst debates surrounding the on-field product, particularly the divide between the Six Nations, South Africa, and the Australia/New Zealand bloc.
“I actually think we’re better than we’ve ever been,” Robinson told reporters. He pointed to a greater sense of unity within the sport compared to previous eras, citing the work of a committee chaired by Abdel Benazzi. “If you go back sort of 50 or 60 years, there was always this battle around the north and the south and the positioning of the product. Early on in the years of professionalism there was still a lot of pressure, but now we have a group of people… We are more united than we’ve ever been.”
The discussion around the game’s direction comes as World Rugby continues to trial the 20-minute red card rule, a change that has seen significant implementation in the southern hemisphere. Robinson indicated initial findings from the trial are “quite positive,” highlighting it as an example of successful collaboration within the sport.
One specific point of contention remains the interpretation of rules regarding “escort runners” – players attempting to clear a path for teammates contesting high balls. The current interpretation has been criticized for potentially favoring attacking teams, but former All Blacks winger Ben Smith recently suggested players should adapt their skills to excel in this area, viewing it as a new “set-piece” for the backs.
“I really like that part of the game that they’ve opened up, and they’ve made that challenge in the air, sort of 50/50 around being able to compete and go after it,” Smith said. “If you can do that really well, then I reckon it sets up your game to be able to attack off the back of it.”
Super Rugby Pacific is also implementing several law variations for the season, including a 50/22 kick rule – awarding a lineout to the kicking team even if the ball is passed back beyond the halfway line – and changes to scrum awarding procedures. These changes aim to encourage attacking play and reduce “dead time” in the game.
Despite these changes, Robinson firmly rejected the notion that rugby is drifting towards becoming more like rugby league. He cited Australia’s recent victory over South Africa as evidence of the sport’s continued health and entertainment value. “Absolutely [I refute that],” Robinson stated. “I was very lucky to… go to Johannesburg to watch the Wallabies play in Ellis Park, and if you can’t believe what an amazing game of rugby that was… Australia haven’t beaten anyone there for 60-plus years.”
Robinson emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to ensure the game remains enjoyable and attractive to fans. A conference is planned to address these issues, with the goal of implementing any necessary changes by June or July. He also highlighted the importance of the Women’s World Cup and recent November Test matches as positive examples of the sport’s current state.
The appointment of Mark Robinson, former New Zealand Rugby chief executive, as World Rugby’s new Chief of Rugby has raised some concerns, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Given his previous involvement with Super Rugby Pacific’s law trials, there is apprehension that he may advocate for the adoption of those rules in Test rugby, potentially altering the character of the game.
Brett Robinson expressed confidence in his new hire and the upcoming conference, stating, “The intention is to get everything we possibly can in order around ensuring that our game… is enjoyable, is focused on the fan… We try and ensure that it’s attractive, it’s got, there’s a pace and a speed to the game.” He also noted that Mark Robinson will chair a review of match official protocols and “put more rugby pressure on the product.”
Fans will be able to purchase tickets for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia starting on , following the reveal of the full match schedule and ticket prices on .