Wright is set to work with chief executive Alan Gilpin, chief of events Michel Poussau and the operations team to help the International Federation transform into a joint venture hosting model, with three women’s and two men’s Rugby World Cups scheduled until 2033.

The experienced executive has worked with major international and multi-sport events, with his latest role coming in the form of executive director at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He has also served as a consultant for the International Olympic Committee, the Football Association and the Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"I am delighted to be joining World Rugby at such an exciting time for the sport," Wright said.

"I know the team well through my Rugby World Cup and multi-sport event experience, and the organisation’s vision, coupled with a clear mandate for growth, including the remodelling of its major events and onboarding world-class talent, represents a golden opportunity not just to lead in this space, but to be transformational.

"I am passionate about rugby and its proven ability to bring people together.

"Through this role, I hope to play my part in ensuring that the events that we plan and deliver have a positive and sustainable impact on the sport, its reputation and ability to grow, not just in its heartlands, but into new nations and demographics."

This is not Wright’s first stint with World Rugby as he has served in leadership positions within Organising Committees, as head of tournament services for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

He was also the executive director of operations and event delivery for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The experienced professional is also a regular in Touch Rugby and a member of Fullerians RFC in Watford.

"Mick is enormously respected within the global major sports event environment and we are delighted to be welcoming him to World Rugby at a time when we are managing a period of exciting change within the organisation," Gilpin said.

"Mick’s wealth of global events experience will be important as we establish a dedicated EventsCo structure that will oversee and unlock the potential of our new Rugby World Cup joint venture host delivery model for future Rugby World Cups in line with our strategic mission to accelerate the global growth of the sport, making rugby more accessible and more relevant to more people more of the time."