World Rugby governance review findings released

An independent-led governance review of World Rugby has been completed to maximise the effectiveness and agility of the international federation’s governance structures.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “I welcome the interim report of the Governance Working Group and its seven initial recommendations….We are undertaking this important and necessary process with the ambition of implementing and living the best possible standards of good governance, furthering the effectiveness and diversity of our structures, ensuring they reflect the values and universality of the game.”

Sir Bill Beaumont – World Rugby Chairman

The review was chaired by British Olympic Committee Chairman and former UK Olympics and Sports Minister, Sir Hugh Robertson. In addition, “the Working Group comprised independent experts, union and regional representatives and player representation from emerging and established rugby nations, with a broad range of experience and expertise” said World Rugby.

The interim report has made seven recommendations while four focus areas for further consideration have been suggested during the second phase.

World Rugby Governance Review Recommendations

• The establishment of an ethics and conduct charter for elected World Rugby officials.
• The introduction of a fit and proper person’s test for Council, EXCO and all standing committees under World Rugby’s jurisdiction.
• Robust conflict of interest management process which protects the integrity and effectiveness of decision-making.
• A target of at least 40 per cent female representation on committees with the promotion of women leaders in the sport.
• Player representation throughout all the committee structures, including EXCO, to ensure player-centric decision-making.
• A continued focus on diversity, skill set, independence, capability and geographical representation when forming committees.
• Council meetings to continue to occur twice a year – one meeting in person and one remote.

Some of these recommendations are hot-topics and gender representation and player representation have been debated in recent years. World Rugby said in a statement that further updates will be made to the World Rugby Council at its Annual Meeting in May 2021.

Sir Hugh Robertson added: “These actions will strengthen diversity and inclusion and, for the first time, introduce an independent ethics structure. These were all proposals which received widespread support across the global game.

“We are at half-time. In the second half, we will consider the structure of the Executive Committee and the definition and classification of a diverse and growing family of national member unions.”

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