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Alan Jones AO is one of Australia’s most prominent and influential broadcasters. He is a former successful radio figure and coach of the Australian National Rugby Union team, the Wallabies. He has also been a Rugby League coach and administrator, with senior roles in the Australian Sports Commission, the Institute of Sport and the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust. Alan Jones is a former Senior Advisor and Speechwriter to the former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

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COMMENTARYRugby Union

Storm player Cameron Smith holds the Premiership Grand Final Trophy as he walks past fans on his way back to the bus at Federation Square in Melbourne, Monday, October 2, 2017. Melbourne Storm won the NRL Premiership against the Cowboys on Sunday. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy) NO ARCHIVING

Rugby has missed a golden chance

I wrote many months ago in relation to Rugby Australia that, just when you thought it could not possibly get worse, it does.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

Game needs a rugby revolution

The prospect of private equity investing in rugby presents an opportunity to change the game for the better.

Alan Jones

COMMENTARYRugby Union

The Qantas Wallabies train at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Union Club, Brisbane. Sekope Kepu. Photo: Rugby AU Media/Stuart Walmsley

The good, the bad and the downright dumb

In Australian rugby over the past week there has been good and bad news, as well as more failings by the game’s administrators.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 15: Tate McDermott of Reds reacts at the end of a match between Jaguares and Reds as part of Super Rugby 2020 at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on February 15, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

We need a new chair, new board that has ‘konjo’

The crisis in Australian rugby is also an opportunity to address the fundamental problems in the game – starting with leadership.

Alan Jones

COMMENTARYRugby Union

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 08: Michael Hooper of the Waratahs runs the ball during the round 2 Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Blues at McDonald Jones Stadium on February 08, 2020 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

Bottom of rugby birdcage sullied

Australia’s rugby future lies in Japan but first Rugby Australia’s bosses must show honour and resign.

Alan Jones

COMMENTARYRugby Union

Warringahâ€™s Harry Jones found form with a characteristic break down the sidelines to score. Warringah v Manly (Northern Beaches Derby 2), Shute Shield Rd 16 at Pittwater Rugby Park. Rats def Marlins 28-23. Saturday 20th July 2019. Â© Karen Watson

Broadcast folly could be last straw

The clock is ticking. It’s time to make change; and if Rugby Australia doesn’t nail this broadcast deal, we’re in deep water.

Alan Jones

COMMENTARYRugby Union

(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 15, 2015 London Mayor Boris Johnson (C) plays rugby with Japanese elementary school children in Tokyo on October 15, 2015 during a promotional event for the 2019 Rugby World Cup which will be held in Japan. - The Conservative Party will announce the result of the leadership ballot on July 23, 2019 with former London mayor and former foreign secretary Boris Johnson widely tipped to win the race to lead the party and take up office at 10 Downing Street. During a decades-spanning career as a journalist and politician, likely next British prime minister Boris Johnson has stoked plenty of controversy. (Photo by - / AFP)

Why rugby needs the Boris Johnson model

We cannot rise above the mediocre while we accept mediocrity from our administrators. On this, the people must be heard.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 17: Waratahs coach Rob Penney is seen during the warm-up before the pre-season Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Highlanders at Leichhardt Oval on January 17, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Waratahs’ journey to nowhere

It still does not seem clear to the people running our game, that they are running it into the ground.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

New Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson watches on at Wallabies training. Photo by Stu Walmsley, Rugby Australia Media.

Has rugby been taken over?

What is going on when Rugby NSW becomes a transit lounge for journeyman coaches and administrators from New Zealand?

Alan Jones

COMMENTARYRugby Union

Game over for rugby’s head office

Only an insensitive, incompetent and virtue-signalling outfit could have brought rugby to this point.

Alan Jones

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/alan-jones/page/9