Dark/Light Mode
(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 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.”

Rugby pictures:
Pictures from 2019 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong
Kong Sevens,

Pictures from 2018 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens,

Pictures from 2017 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens,

Pictures from 2016 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong
Kong Sevens,

Pictures of Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2015,

Pictures of the Asia Rugby Sevens Olympic Games Qualifier in Hong
Kong,

Pictures of Singha Thailand Sevens 2015,

Pictures from the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour in Hong Kong,

Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2014,

Pictures of Hong Kong Sevens 2013,
Pictures
of Chartis Cup 2012 and
Pictures of
Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2012.

Latest videos: Noise
Cancelling Ear Plugs for a Perfect Night’s Sleep,
Running
Lights – Lumefit Premium 360° Reflective Vest Review,

Steven Howard Outlines Travel News Asia’s Video and Podcast Plans
for 2023, Amari
Watergate Bangkok – 4K Video Interview with Sukamal
Mondal, Area GM.