Pulver arrived in Europe last week ahead of IRB chief executive meetings and the IRB council conference to discuss the game in the build-up to the World Cup next year.

It coincided with the decision by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to recall Kurtley Beale less than a month after the ARU fined Beale $45,000 for a lewd text message he sent to former team business manager Di Patston.

Pulver's future has also been in the spotlight with the Wallabies' off-field dramas engulfing the sport and the Test team churning through three coaches – Robbie Deans, Ewen McKenzie and Cheika – in less than two years.

But Gosper believes Pulver has already made a positive impression on Australian rugby.

"I think Bill is a force of energy, he's always thinking innovatively and he's an astute leader," Gosper said.

"Things can happen like [Beale's drama] and they can be beyond your control. But I think [Pulver] demonstrates all the qualities that the Wallabies and the Australian organisation need. He's a good person for that job.

"Michael Hawker [ARU chairman] and Pulver are good leaders. The [National Rugby Championship] tournament has gone off pretty well and the Wallabies seem to be in a good place."

Gosper described the Australian sporting market as the toughest in the world and rugby union is fighting for popularity with the NRL, AFL, cricket and soccer.

The ARU has been forced to cut costs in recent years to save the game from financial ruin.

Super Rugby clubs are also feeling the pinch and it is hoped a new television rights deal will ease the pressure.

But Gosper said the sport had an exciting future, citing what is expected to be record-breaking popularity at the World Cup next year and the growth of sevens.

Sevens will be introduced to the Olympic Games program from 2016.

"Australia has to keep winning … the Bledisloe Cup is very important and Australians like to support a team that wins," Gosper said.

"I understand the issues of competition [in Australian sport], but I think rugby is well led, well equipped and will perform well enough on the field to do well.

"The interest in sevens is huge … we're used to competing as a challenger sport. It means we have to be more nimble, creative, aggressive and energetic to ensure we find our place."

Gosper, son of former Australian Olympic Committee chairman Kevan Gosper, has been in the job for two years, tackling a wide range of issues and game development.

He was recently in the US to watch the All Blacks play in Chicago and supported Japan's introduction to Super Rugby.

"It's stimulating all the time, there's always something going on. The good news is rugby is in good hands and it's a growth sport," Gosper said.

"There's a growth market in Asia so it's great for rugby to have a team in Japan. If they do get it right, the broadcast revenue hopefully follows for SANZAR."