World Rugby Details Governance Reform

The World Rugby Council has approved a wide-ranging reform of its governance structures, creating an environment for wider union and regional representation.

Rugby nations currently in Tier Two, such as Japan, Georgia and the US, will have a greater say in the running of World Rugby under the reform.

Following a successful World Cup 2015 in which Tier Two sides played a huge part, the reforms will increase the number of unions and voting rights on World Rugby’s Council and in addition, all six regional associations will receive two votes.

Any union that has qualified for the last two World Cups and unions that have had a major contribution to the growth and development of the game will have a vote and a representative on the council, rising to three votes dependant on meeting certain criteria.

A transitional Nominations Committee has also been formed to begin the process of identifying the independent directors to be appointed to the Executive Committee. Changes and voting rights will be implemented after the May 2016 Annual Meeting of the Council.

World Rugby chairman, Bernard Lapasset said in a statement: “We have enjoyed a very special and record-breaking Rugby World Cup in England and rugby is experiencing record participation growth, media interest and commercial appeal.

“This exciting new model, developed following extensive review and consultation, will ensure that World Rugby, and by extension, the sport, has the governance structures and tools to support future growth as rugby continues to inspire and thrive.”

“This is a great step forward for World Rugby. The World Rugby Council will now have a wider range of voices,” USA Rugby chairman Bob Latham said of the reforms.

“We are confident that USA Rugby will satisfy the Committee that we meet the criteria to have our own seat on the Council – something that has long been a goal of USA Rugby.”