DUBLIN (AP) -- Brett Robinson, a former Australia back-row forward, has been elected as the first non-European chairman of World Rugby, the sport's global governing body.

The 54-year-old Robinson beat Abdelatif Benazzi and Andrea Rinaldo in the voting for the most powerful position in rugby on Thursday and will succeed Bill Beaumont in the role.

Robinson won following two rounds of voting at a meeting of the World Rugby council in Dublin and will serve a four-year term, with the possibility to stand for re-election in 2028.

He has been a member of World Rugby's executive board since 2016 and his appointment ensures some continuity ahead of a period when Australia will be in the rugby spotlight.

The British and Irish Lions tour Down Under next year and the men's World Cup will be staged in Australia in 2027.