World Rugby and Rugby Australia have made the appointment following meetings in Sydney to formulate the joint Organising Committee that will be in charge of both events under the chairmanship of Eddington.

The Australian official, who was chairman of Australia's 2027 Bid Advisory Board, is set to preside over a Board comprising representatives from World Rugby and Rugby Australia as well as a further managing director.

"World Rugby and Rugby Australia have provided Australia with a wonderful once-in-a-generation opportunity to host not one, but two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 and I am honoured and excited to be chairing the Board of Directors to guide their delivery," said Eddington.

"Australia has built a reputation for hosting outstanding sporting and cultural events, and I know that the whole nation will rally with enthusiasm behind these Rugby World Cups.

"By working together as a Board, as the rugby family and as the nation, I believe that we will deliver what will be remembered as two of the great sporting events, Rugby World Cups that Australia will be proud of."

Eddington is currently chair of JP Morgan’s Asia-Pacific Advisory Council and has held positions as director of Cathay Pacific, chair of Ansett Australia, deputy chair of News Limited and chief executive of British Airways.

He has also played a leading role for a number of national and international economic, trade, transport and development organisations.

"Working in partnership with Rugby Australia, we have set the bar high with regards to the impact that our Rugby World Cups will deliver on a national and global scale," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

"Central to achieving our ambition is the appointment of Sir Rod Eddington as independent chair of the Board of Directors and we are excited to have someone of his renowned stature, knowledge and passion presiding over the preparation of Rugby World Cups that will supercharge the growth of the sport on a national and international level."

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan added: "As the chair of our Rugby World Cup Bid Advisory Board, Sir Rod Eddington played a crucial role in the awarding of the 2027 and 2029 events to Australia.

"Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world - Sir Rod understands exactly what we want to accomplish for the game in hosting these events here in Australia.

"He is highly regarded and respected at home and abroad and was central to our work with World Rugby, Federal and State Governments in securing the two World Cups.

"We are delighted to have secured his services and to lead the events as independent chair of the Board of Directors."