World Rugby chief says game has to keep growing as sport eyes U.S. market

Hong Kong –

World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said that the sport “can’t sit still” if it wants to grow, including conquering the “challenge” that is the United States with the 2031 World Cup.

Rugby union’s place in global sports’ pecking order has come into sharp focus over issues such as financial sustainability, player welfare and threats to its popularity in traditional rugby heartlands.

All Blacks great Michael Jones said last week that rugby union is losing the battle for “hearts and minds” to rival code rugby league in New Zealand.