Player safety among new rugby chief's top concerns

DUBLIN - Australia's Brett Robinson said it was a "proud moment" for him after he became the first chairman of World Rugby from the Southern Hemisphere on Nov 14, and vowed to unify all the different factions.

The 54-year-old former Wallabies flanker succeeds England's Bill Beaumont, who steps down after eight years.

Robinson obtained 27 votes with former French international Abdelatif Benazzi receiving 25 in the second round of World Rugby council voting. Italy's Andrea Rinaldo bowed out in the first round with nine votes.

"It is a great privilege, it is a game I have been close to all my life," the Australian said. "It is a proud moment. I would like to recognise Bill Beaumont for his eight years of leadership."

Robinson, who will serve for four years with the option to run for a second time in 2028, said his job was to be a unifying force.

Argentinian Agustin Pichot, whom many view as a force for real change, was furious after failing to be elected to the executive board.

"We've got differences of opinion," Robinson said.