An already strained relationship between Rugby Australia’s two most powerful men was exacerbated by the record deal to bring Joseph Suaalii to rugby.
Will Hamish McLennan opt for a low-key appointment for the chief executive role or,as a risk-taker,sense a golden – and timely – opportunity to revamp Rugby Australia?
Andy Marinos,who was appointed as CEO in December 2020,will remain at RA until mid-June.
Seven months out from the Rugby World Cup,the Wallabies’ coaching staff is down to just one man - Eddie Jones. But RA bosses aren’t worried.
Australian rugby saw a year of injury,growth,setbacks and success,with dominant sevens teams,Wallaroos fight,revival in NSW and a drama-filled Wallabies season.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has the backing of his bosses following a record Test loss and unprecedented injury toll.
Australian rugby bosses feared COVID-19 could bring the game to its knees. But just two years after posting a $27m loss,RA believe they’re on track to post a profit this year
The forum of Australian sports chiefs involved a few barbs and plenty of posturing.
Rugby Australia has made drastic changes to its offshore player policy,which could lead to a choice between Rory Arnold and Marika Koroibete at the 2023 World Cup.
The competition will expand to 12 teams next year,and the two new sides will come from the Fiji and Pasifika regions.
Lauded by fans as “the game they play in heaven”,rugby union has gone to hell in a handbasket,beset for two decades by infighting,financial crises,declining audiences and fierce competition from the AFL and NRL. Can a new CEO and free-to-air TV deal get it kicking again?