World Rugby Chair Dr. Brett Robinson - What's next for rugby?

World Rugby is at a crossroads as World Rugby Chair Dr. Brett Robinson confronts law confusion, TMO drama and a race to fix the game before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Can Mark Robinson’s independent review, tweaks to the TMO and the 20 minute red card restore ball in play, cut dead time and keep 15 on 15?

On Rugby Unity host David Pembroke sits down with Brett Robinson and Eddie Jones to unpack a year of highs and headaches: the Women’s Rugby World Cup at Twickenham, a record Emirates sponsorship, the new Nations Cup and Nations Championship, Sevens and Super Rugby trials from Dubai to Cape Town. This is part one focused on on field pressure points; part two will examine the economics, player welfare and the plan to grow rugby into North America and South America.

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In this episode:
00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Dr. Brett Robinson, Chairman World Rugby
00:53 📆 One Year as Chairman: Highlights and Challenges
02:00 📝 Strategic Plan Approval and Women's World Cup
03:55 🏃‍♂️ Rugby Sevens Growth and Sponsorship Deals
04:47 🌍 Finalization of Nations Championship/Cup
06:06 🧩 World Rugby's Role and Game Play Issues
08:08 😤 Fan Frustrations: Kicking, Laws, and Dead Time
11:27 🚨 Cultural Problem and Need for Faster Change
14:14 🎧 Eddie Jones's Perspective on the Game's Direction
16:21 🏃‍♂️💨 Ball in Play, Fatigue, and Tactical Decisions
21:13 ⚖️ Eddie Jones: 15 on 15, Referee's Role, Aerial Contest
24:26 🎥 Brett Robinson's Response: TMO, Red Card, Aerial Play
30:00 📈 Probability of Winning High Balls & Game Evolution
36:06 🌱 Growing the Game: Attracting New Fans and Markets
39:03 🛡️ Safety in Rugby: Balancing Risk and Spectacle
44:03 ❤️‍🩹 Player Welfare and the Global Season
49:40 🌐 Nations Cup and Global Calendar Opportunities
52:27 🔍 Independent Review Panel: Mandate and Focus
55:04 🤝 The Challenge of Achieving a Consistent View
57:33 🧠 Shape of the Game Conference and Recommendations
59:59 🏛️ Governance: Streamlining Decision-Making
01:03:07 ⭐ The Significance of the Nations Championship
01:04:43 🎤 Eddie Jones's Final Thoughts and Part 2 Preview

📌 What changes would you like to see in rugby to make it more exciting ahead of the World Cup 2027? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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