Chris Stanley to Lead Australia's Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 Preparations

(07/04/23)  Preparations for Australia to host the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups continue to advance with the appointment of Chris Stanley as Managing Director of the 2027 Local Operating Company (LOC).

Highly regarded in the major sport’s event business world, Chris’ appointment follows the news that Sir Rod Eddington has been named as independent Chair of the Board of Directors for both the men’s event in 2027 and the women’s in 2029.

Chris Stanley

Chris joins from MI Global Partners, where as CEO he has developed a strong reputation as a leading expert in major sports event planning and delivery over the past 22 years, managing projects across a broad range of industries, including major sports events and numerous rugby world cups.

With preparations advancing at pace, Chris will join the organising company in July and initial priorities will include resourcing of the organising company and furthering engagement with state governments and host cities as the pivotal venue selection process progresses.

“Having worked across every Rugby World Cup since 2003 and building on my role as an Executive Director Planning and Integration for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the prospect of being involved in delivering the most prestigious men’s and women’s rugby events in Australia to help grow the sport both domestically and around the world, is very exciting,” said Chris. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at World Rugby, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government to bring to life not just great sporting events, but outstanding events that will engage a nation, set new standards in sustainable impact and drive rugby forwards.”

A collaboration between World Rugby and Rugby Australia, the LOC is majority owned by World Rugby’s events arm which is responsible for the delivery of all men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups through to at least 2033.

The Rugby World Cups will be the jewel in the crown of an exciting rugby calendar for fans in Australia over the next decade which features the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025 and rugby sevens at the 2026 Commonwealth and 2032 Olympic Games.

Andy Marinos, Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer, said, “Chris has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the delivery of Rugby World Cups and major global events. That is why our team made the call to have him involved as part of our successful bids for 2027 and 2029 in a key advisory role. From our perspective, given his experience, and the skill set required under the new delivery model, Chris is an ideal candidate as Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director. Along with the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as Chair, Chris brings great continuity and is well placed to build on the great foundation that has been established to deliver two incredible events that will be key moments in our golden decade of rugby.”

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