The former Australian rugby boss earned his share of enemies in New Zealand but he doesn’t agree with ending a strong history of trans-Tasman competition.
Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the man behind the 2003 tournament,John O’Neill,has a view a finals and how to not squander the profits.
Before he moved into the top job at Star Entertainment,John O’Neill was one of Australia’s most recognisable – and polarising – sports administrators,who oversaw periods of success and reform in two big sporting codes.
It will be pitchforks or an orderly renewal - and the board needs to decide which way it will go.
Rugby Australia will have to lodge audited accounts by the end of the month before World Rugby agrees to a bail-out... but even then,the portents remain bleak.
The media heavy-hitter joins a raft of top business candidates in the mix for key board roles heading into the annual general meeting at month's end.
The politicking is picking up as deadline draws close for nominations to the Rugby Australia board.
The Israel Folau saga has dominated the headlines,but the next challenge facing Rugby Australia is its most important.