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Speaking to this masthead after being unveiled as the University of Queensland’s Alumnus of the Year, Robinson pointed to the code’s international game as being a key drawcard used to retain elite prospects, with the home 2027 World Cup a carrot for Australians to dismiss rival sports. The World Rugby chair said while the loss of some players would be inevitable, his home country had rebuilt out of a period of poor results and financial turmoil. “You’ve only got four domestic clubs, so there’s a limit to who you can contract, but the Australian schools beat New Zealand, so I think they’re clearly hanging onto talent,” Robinson said. “The global nature of our sport is something those other codes can’t provide. I know Joseph Suaalii has made it really clear that was a major factor in why he loves our game.
