The preparations for the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 in Australia are gaining momentum with several key executive appointments within the Local Operating Company (LOC). This LOC is a joint venture between World Rugby and Rugby Australia, with World Rugby holding the majority stake.
Two prominent figures in global sports event management, Jane Fernandez and Michelle Enright, have been appointed to the Sydney-based team under the leadership of Managing Director Chris Stanley.
These appointments underscore the ambition of delivering transformative Rugby World Cups that aim to attract a new generation of fans and cement rugby’s place in Australian sports culture.
Jane Fernandez joins the team as the Executive General Manager of Operations. She comes from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, where she played a pivotal role as the Chief Operating Officer.
Her experience also includes serving as General Manager of Sport for the Australian Olympic Committee and Tournament Director for the AFC Asian Cup 2015.
Michelle Enright, taking on the role of Executive General Manager of Business, brings her extensive experience from the ICC T20 World Cup. She was the Chief Executive Officer for the men’s tournament in 2022 and the Chief Operating Officer for the record-breaking women’s event in 2020.
Her resume also includes key roles in the Gold Coast 2018 Olympic Games, the FIFA U20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, and High-Performance Sport New Zealand.
Additional key appointments include Scott Muir as General Manager of Event Services, Nick Duke as Head of Venues, Ally Dirkis as Head of People & Culture, Simone Papirnik as Head of Team Services, and Alicia Keogh, who transitioned from the Rugby Australia bid team to become the Rugby World Cup Projects Manager.
Chris Stanley, Managing Director of Rugby World Cup 2027, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to be welcoming Jane and Michelle to our growing and talented Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 Australia hosting team.
Attracting talent of this calibre shows the ambition and appeal of events that will be the highlights within a golden decade of rugby in Australia.
These events will embed rugby and its values into the hearts and minds of Australians.”
Stanley highlighted that these appointments signal a shift into detailed operational planning for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.
He noted that this year would see significant decisions regarding the qualification process, competition format, and the announcement of host cities and venues.
“All of these milestone moments will underpin the successful delivery of the tournament, and we are excited to be accelerating our preparations with such exceptional, talented, and experienced individuals who share our vision for what will be game-changing Rugby World Cups,” Stanley added.
The Australia 2027 and 2029 organising company, chaired by Sir Rod Eddington, is a joint venture between World Rugby and Rugby Australia.
This organisation is tasked with delivering all Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups through to at least 2033, with the goal of sparking greater interest in rugby, increasing fan participation, and enhancing the sport’s value.