Following unanimous approval from the International Rugby Board (IRB) Executive Committee, Hawker joins IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset, IRB vice-chairman Oregan Hoskins, IRB chief executive Brett Gosper and Wales Rugby Union (WRU) David Pickering on the Rugby World Cup Board.

The 54-year-old, who took over from Peter McGrath as chairman of the ARU in April 2012, is already a member of the IRB Council and Executive Committee, and will serve as a director of RWCL until at least the end of the current Board mandate in 2016.

"I am delighted and honoured to be joining the Rugby World Cup Board at such an exciting time for the sport and for Rugby World Cup," said Hawker.

"Working within a strong and visionary Rugby World Cup Board, I look forward to playing a full role in furthering the Rugby World Cup brand within the global sporting marketplace."

Hawker had made over 20 international appearances for the Wallabies during the 1980s and his professional background is in banking and insurance, where he has served in both executive and non-executive roles in Europe, Asia and Australia with Aviva Plc and the Macquarie Group Ltd.

He is also a former chief executive and managing director of Insurance Australia Group (IAG) but resigned in 2008 after rejecting a takeover bid from rival QBE which led to criticism from shareholders.

Hawker replaces compatriot John O'Neill as a RWCL director after he stepped down from the role for personal reasons in February ©AFP/Getty Images



Along with his role at the ARU, Hawker will now be concentrating on the build-up to next year's Rugby World Cup in England and Wales which is due to take place from September 18 to October 31.

Commenting on the Australian's appointment, IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "I am delighted to be welcoming Michael Hawker to the Rugby World Cup Board.

"With a strong blend of major business and rugby administration experience, Michael is perfectly suited to our mission to further strengthen Rugby World Cup as one of the great sporting brands and drive rugby's growth around the world.

"Michael joins the Board at an exciting time for Rugby World Cup with preparations on track to deliver an exceptional 2015 tournament in England and the solid foundations in place for the first Rugby World Cup in Asia when Japan hosts the 2019 tournament."

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