Shorts: World Rugby, The Jockey Club, London FA
World Rugby has elected Dr. Brett Robinson as its new Chair, following two rounds of voting.
Robinson has become the first Chair from the southern hemisphere after being chosen over fellow candidates Abdelatif Benazzi (France) and Andrea Rinaldo (Italy), by the 52 members of the World Rugby Council.
Robinson will serve as chair over a four-year term, with the possibility to stand for re-election for a further four years in 2028.
The secret ballot vote was overseen by independent observers in line with World Rugby Bye-Laws following a nomination and vetting process.
“It is an immense privilege and honour to have been elected World Rugby Chair by my Council colleagues today,” Robinson said.
“I have had many conversations with my colleagues around the world and am heartened by our shared ambition to continue to build on the strength of our game.”
The London Football Association (London FA) have kicked off ‘London for All’ initiative to improve grassroots football.
The association has outlined its 2024 to 2028 vision and strategy, which includes a modernised brand in the hopes of resonating to a new generation.
The new vision is set out to complement the FA’s own Grassroots Football Strategy for 2024 – 2028, and aims to address five core elements.
These include improving playing choice and experience, delivering equal opportunities for women and girls, building more and improve existing facilities, tackle poor behaviour on and off the pitch, develop a valued network of volunteers, coaches, and referees.
The London FA governs more than 950 clubs and 70,000 registered players, including 30,000 youth players and 650 players with disabilities.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Patron of the London FA said, “I’m proud to support the London FA’s ‘London For All’ strategy, which is committed to making football more inclusive and accessible for everyone – regardless of age, gender, or ability.
“I’m delighted by the vision to build more and improve existing facilities, so key in enabling the sport to be more accessible to all Londoners.
“This initiative will make a real, positive difference in the lives of Londoners, strengthening the role of grassroots football in our capital and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The Jockey Club has appointed Charlie Boss as the organisation’s Interim Group Chief Executive.
Boss was previously the Chief Commercial Officer at The Jockey Club between 2021 to 2023, before taking up the same position at Southampton FC.
He will rejoin the Jockey Club organisation on 9th December before taking over from Nevin Truesdale on an interim basis from 19th December 2024.
Earlier in June, the organisation confirmed that Truesdale would leave at end of 2024 after an 11-year tenure at the helm.
“For me, racing remains a cherished and important part of British life. Not only is it an industry which contributes more than £4billion to the British economy, it is the UK’s second most attended sport,” Boss said.
“My time as Chief Commercial Officer at The Jockey Club was one of the most enjoyable, challenging and rewarding of my career and I am both proud and excited to be returning to The Jockey Club as Interim Group Chief Executive.”
Cardiff Rugby have extended their partnership with Box UK and tiQtoQ with the inclusion of a new website.
The Welsh technology assurance companies have already provided invaluable support to the URC Championship club.
Through the expansion of the agreement, both organisations will deliver enhanced digital experiences for Cardiff fans by streamlining operations and deepen the club’s engagement with the community.
Mike Brown, Cardiff Rugby Head of Communications and Marketing, said, “We are enormously grateful to Paul and Box UK, and Pete and the tiQtoQ team for their support on this complex project.
“ Our previous providers going into administration was far from ideal and left us with little to no support or development on the website for some time and we were long overdue a refresh.”
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