The announcement follows the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as the independent chair of the Board of Directors for the men's and women's World Cup, with the latter set to be held in Australia in 2029.

Stanley will use his 22 years of experience as chief executive of MI Global Partners, where he was managing projects and major events including the Rugby World Cup.

He will join the Organising Committee in July, when the venue selection process will be underway.

"Having worked across every Rugby World Cup since 2003 and building on my role as an executive drector planning and integration for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the prospect of being involved in delivering the most prestigious men's and women's rugby events in Australia to help grow the sport both domestically and around the world is very exciting," said Stanley.

"I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at World Rugby, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government to bring to life not just great sporting events, but outstanding events that will engage a nation, set new standards in sustainable impact and drive rugby forwards."

The rugby calendar in Australia will have a busy schedule over the next few years, beginning with a British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025. 

Rugby sevens tournaments, the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics are also on the agenda.

Michael Poussau, the Rugby World Cup director, expressed his excitement at Stanley coming in.

"With a wealth of experience in major sports event planning and project delivery, Chris Stanley is perfectly placed to drive forward the establishment of the new Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company under the World Rugby events arm," said Poussau.

"Chris has an intimate knowledge of both Rugby World Cup, having consulted on every tournament since 2003, and also the events organisation environment in Australia, in which he is widely regarded as a leading expert. 

"This experience, coupled with a passion for Rugby World Cup and major events in Australia, will help deliver what we believe will be transformative Rugby World Cups."

Andy Marinos, the Rugby Australia chief executive, also praised Stanley for his experience.

"Chris has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the delivery of Rugby World Cups and major global events," said Marinos.

"It is why our team made the call to have him involved as part of our successful bids for 2027 and 2029 in a key advisory role. 

"From our perspective, given his experience, and the skill set required under the new delivery model, Chris is an ideal candidate as Rugby World Cup 2027 managing director.

"Along with the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as chair, Chris brings great continuity and is well placed to build on the great foundation that has been established to deliver two incredible events that will be key moments in our golden decade of rugby."