0
TODAY AT 7:15 AM RUGBY WORLD CUP
by Beth Newman
Former Wallaby Phil Kearns is set to lead Rugby Australia's bid for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Kearns has been appointed executive director of the bid act as a link between the previously announced World Cup bid advisory board and the World Rugby member unions as the organisation pushes forward with its plans for a bid.
Starting on September 7, Kearns will answer into chairman Hamish McLennan and advisory board chairman Sir Rod Eddington.
The former Test hooker on two World Cups as a player and has gone onto have a successful corporate career with roles as CEO of Centric Wealth, managing director at InterRISK Australia and a director of a number of organisations.
Kearns has also previously been linked to the Rugby Australia CEO position, going deep into the appointment process before Raelene Castle took over the role in 2017.
McLennan said Kearns would play a vital role in Australia's work in putting together the 2027 bid.
“Phil has an impeccable international reputation both in the corporate sector and with his network of contacts throughout the rugby world," he said.
“Phil will be front and centre of Rugby World Cup bid team and will lead our international relations to put Rugby Australia in the strongest possible position to win the right to host the 2027 showpiece.
“As part of his role, Phil will be spend time overseas to be a key contact with the World Rugby Member Unions, to showcase our bid and to highlight why we would be a tremendous host in 2027."
Rugby World Cup 2027 Bid Advisory Board Chairman, Sir Rod Eddington said Kearns' experience in the game would be "instrumental" for the bid.
“I’m really pleased to welcome Phil to the bid team and know his experience will prove invaluable as we prepare over the coming months," he said.
“Phil has proven himself to be a high profile rugby leader and coupled with his history in game, will be instrumental for Rugby Australia’s bid."
Kearns said he was looking forward to the opportunity to help the organisation win the rights to host the tournament.
“I’m very proud to accept the role and want to thank Hamish and Sir Rod for their consideration as we prepare our bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
“I know what it takes to win a World Cup on the field in Wallaby Gold and now I’m enormously excited to put in the work to win the right to host a World Cup here in Australia.
“The World Cup in 2027 would be transformational for the game in this country. The financial windfall it would bring would spark the Australian economy as we rebuild from the impact of COVID-19 and then gives us the opportunity to invest back into the grassroots of the game."
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2020/0...utive-director