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Leading sporting administrator, Michael Brown, most recently Chief Executive of the 2015 Asian Cup Organising Committee, has been appointed Chief Executive of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Brown’s new role will see him help plan and deliver a successful World Cup, which will is to be hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.

With more than 20 years experience in sport management, Brown most recently led the organisation of Asian Football Confederation’s flagship event in January this year. That event, which involved 32 games in 23 days, attracted more than 650,000 fans – nearly double the anticipated crowd figure.

Prior to the Asian Cup, Brown was Chief Executive at the Hawthorn Football Club and General Manager of Cricket at Cricket Australia.

Announcing the appointment, NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith explained that Brown had the credentials and experience to bring together the best rugby league nations in the world for a successful World Cup.

Smith stated “there has never been more interest in rugby league at the international level.

“New Zealand has taken the number one spot, Australia is desperate to regain its top ranking, England is always highly competitive and the Pacific Islands are set to become powerhouses of the game.

“So the scene is set for the best World Cup in recent memory and we are confident Michael is the right person to deliver a successful tournament.”

Brown said the Rugby League World Cup would be one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar in 2017, stating “this is a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Rugby League both domestically and internationally.

“The World Cup has not been held in Australia since 2008 so I have no doubt this tournament will attract more people to the game, whether as players or fans.

“My aim will be to make an impact in every area of the game… from the grassroots and the culture right through to the elite level.”

Brown will take up the role in mid-July.

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