Australian Brett Robinson has become the first World Rugby chair from the southern hemisphere after narrowly beating former France international Abdelatif Benazzi to the governing body's top job.

Ex-Wallabies flanker Robinson shaded a final-round run-off vote among World Rugby's Council by 27 votes to 25, after Italy's Andrea Rinaldo had been eliminated earlier in the election.

Robinson succeeds former England captain Bill Beaumont who is stepping down after serving for eight years, the maximum term.

The 54-year-old plans to prioritise financial stability and commercial growth, with several national unions and club competitions coming under pressure on the balance sheet.

"Today, I reiterate my commitment as Chair to harness the abundant passion in our game and to lead for all, by creating the right culture to deliver commercial outcomes for a contemporary global sport," said Robinson.