Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne to quit after tough stint
Rugby Australia’s annus horribilis has claimed another victim, with chairman Cameron Clyne standing down from his role – and a looming overhaul is already throwing up potential candidates.
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Cameron Clyne will play a key role in electing his successor as Rugby Australia chairman despite presiding over the most tumultuous period in the game’s history.
Clyne has announced he will not seek re-election as chairman at RA’s next annual general meeting in March 2020, however it can be revealed that he remains chairman of the nominations committee that will pick his replacement.
The RA nominations committee consists of Clyne, fellow RA board director John Sharp, Darryl McDonough and Mark L’Huillier.
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The set-up of this committee is in line with the Australian Sports Commission’s governance policies for a number of sports, and set by the Arbib Review handed down in 2012.
However, given Clyne’s involvement in two of the most controversial issues plaguing Australian rugby – Israel Folau’s contract termination and the axing of the Western Force – it is questionable that he should be directly involved in the decision-making for RA’s next chairman.
Clyne will remain involved in the process to appoint the new Wallabies coach after Michael Cheika’s departure, as well as the new television rights deal that is being negotiated now with broadcasters, to start from 2021.
Along with Clyne’s replacement, the RA board will need three new board members next March given they are yet to fill the seat of the departed Ann Sherry, while deputy chair Brett Robinson and Paul McLean will have served their maximum nine-year terms.
The board overhaul could also exacerbate pressure on RA chief executive Raelene Castle, who along with Clyne has been widely criticised over the Folau saga and lacklustre Wallaby performances in the past two years.
Castle won the top job in 2018 over Phil Kearns, who will have strong support for a board role, along with club identity Brett Papworth and television executive Jarrod Frykberg.
Some within rugby circles say RA should aim high for Clyne’s replacement, targeting the likes of proven sporting administrators David Gallop and Andrew Demetriou.
Clyne took a parting shot at media as in a statement confirming his impending resignation.
“Unfortunately, recently, much of the focus of the media has been directed at myself, which has overshadowed a lot of great work that has been done and continues to be done at the community level through to the national level by our volunteers, administrators, players, coaches, and match officials across the country,” Clyne said.
“It is hoped that with my resignation, the attention can return to where it rightfully should be, which is on the field and that this positive work will be highlighted.
“Over the next four months I, along with the rest of the Board, remain committed to overseeing the delivery of a new broadcast deal, the appointment of a new Wallabies Head Coach, and the conclusion of the legal matter involving Israel Folau.
“During this time, the Board will work with the Member Union Chairs and the Nominations Committee to find a suitable replacement for my position on the Board and I will aim to make a seamless transition from the role, with a replacement in place at the AGM. ”