World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper is expected to part ways with the organization in January go take up a new mantle as the head of NFL in Europe and the UK.
Gosper, who has reigned in for nine years as the CEO of the sport’s governing body, have witnessed sevens being reintroduced to the Olympics and the delivery of the first World Cup held in Japan last year, which top rated online casinos covered most odds for the games available in the tournament.
When Gosper steps down in January, chief operating officer Alan Gilpin will be taking over as an interim until a replacement arrives.
Speaking to the media, Gosper said: “It’s been a fantastic nine years. It has been an absolute privilege to have worked with so many talented and dedicated rugby people around the world.
“Rugby is a wonderful sport and World Rugby is a fantastic organization, and therefore it was a very difficult decision to leave.
“But with a new ambitious strategic plan set to launch and the strong foundations in place to drive the sport forward beyond the pandemic, the time is right for me to begin a new challenge.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together as a rugby family. While I will miss working in the sport, my passion and enthusiasm for what rugby and its values mean to so many will never diminish.”
During the reign of Gosper as CEO, the 2015 Rugby World Cup reportedly sold 2.47 million tickets with commercial and ticketing revenues in excess of £650m, which ended up making a profit of £260 million used to reinvest in the global game.
In 2019, new records were set in the first World Cup held in Asia, as commercial and ticketing revenues maxed up to £750m, making a profit of £240m in the process begging the question of when he will invest and buy bitcoin credit cards with some of his earnings, while the digital engagement reached 1.7 billion video views, with online slots also increasing the odds for punters.
For his new role, Gosper will naturally be excited about a new challenge, he said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the very impressive and ambitious team at the NFL and helping the most valuable and watched sports league in the US win even more hearts in Europe and the UK.”
Welcoming the 61-year-old to the team, NFL Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Christopher Halpin said to the media: “We are tremendously excited to have Brett joining the NFL in such an important role.
“The UK has been a core market of investment and growth for the NFL over the last decade, and we believe broader Europe presents a number of similar attractive opportunities to expand the game and our fan base.
“Brett’s exceptional skills and experience make him the ideal leader to build on our momentum and grow the NFL.”