• 17th World Rugby General Assembly hosted at the Guildhall, City of London, on the eve of Rugby World Cup Finals Day
  • 134 national unions, all members of World Rugby, gather to receive updates and discuss the latest developments in the sport
  • New strategy development, player welfare, women’s rugby, gender equity and competitions top the agenda
  • Global Women’s Summit begins in London on 25 September, bringing together 400 thought leaders and decision-makers from rugby and the wider sporting landscape

Speaking at the 17th World Rugby General Assembly at London’s Guildhall, World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson urged the global rugby community to harness the momentum of the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 to boost the sport’s relevance, reach and impact as World Rugby adopts a new strategic plan.

With Finals Day set to attract a world-record crowd for a women’s international match, and women’s rugby continuing to make headlines on and off the field, Robinson, speaking at his first General Assembly since being elected, said:

“This tournament has been joyous, bold, brilliant - and truly era-defining.

It has shown us what’s possible when our sport embraces diversity, challenges convention, and connects players and fans in new ways. It has set a new standard on and off the field – and for me, it feels like the best Rugby World Cup ever.

It also proves the power of a shared mission: not just to deliver a great event, but to create lasting impact. This is the embodiment of the new Rugby World Cup model approved by Council in 2023 – and it represents our future. Our collective challenge now is to ensure its spirit endures.”

RFU President Deborah Griffin OBE and Alderman and Sheriff of the City of London Greg Jones KC also welcomed delegates to the event, held in the historic Great Hall at the Guildhall.

With the future front and centre, delegates applauded a preview of World Rugby’s new five-year Strategic Plan, designed to strengthen and grow the sport. Set for public launch in January, the plan was shaped through extensive consultation and forms part of Robinson’s mission to set a new direction for World Rugby. It is built around three pillars: iconic events, impactful investment, and strong leadership in support of its members.

Robinson said: "Our strategy is bold but focused, grounded in our values, shaped by your insights, and designed to grow commercial value, strengthen our foundations, and deliver greater impact for everyone.

But success requires a shift in mindset. We must be brave, willing to challenge the status quo, try new things, and think differently. We must have the courage of our convictions and treat our strategy as a living plan – reviewed regularly, with success measured and adapted when needed."

Leaning into the future, World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin also formally launched the host selection process for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035, while updating on the stroing progress being made for the next men's Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2031 where the venue selection process is underway, and for Women's Rugby World Cup Australia 2029 and USA 2033.

Delegates also received updates on how World Rugby is reshaping its services to better support member unions with the tools needed to grow the game.

Summary of key topics

  • An overview of the next iteration of the World Rugby Strategic Plan, including its purpose, vision, pillars, and implementation steps
  • The latest developments in smart mouthguard technology – a key feature of Rugby World Cup 2025 – and the importance of mental wellbeing in player performance
  • Progress on women in leadership roles within World Rugby, member unions, and regional associations, and efforts to close the gender gap
  • A summary of positive game trends, driven by the annual Shape of the Game conference, supporting both player safety and spectator experience
  • Advances in Safe Sport initiatives and their application across member unions

In closing, Robinson said: “Like any great team, we are stronger and better when we are together. We have a great sport with strong values. We are diverse, but we are unified. Today, we have set the course for a bright future for our sport. We all have a role to play. Let’s stay connected, stay humble in tone, and bold in ambition. Thank you for everything that you do for our great game.”