Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne to step down after horror Wallabies World Cup, Israel Folau saga
After a horror World Cup and Israel Folau’s sacking, Cameron Clyne leaves in March.
Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne, who has presided over one of the most troubled periods in the game’s history, will stand down at the end of his current term.
Clyne confirmed on Monday morning that he would not stand for re-election when his term ends in March next year.
Former CEO of the National Australia Bank, Clyne was appointed chairman of Rugby Australia at the end of 2015.
His term has been marred by the controversial decision to axe the Perth-based Western Force from Super Rugby and the Wallabies’ worst-ever performance at a Rugby World Cup. Australia lost to England in the quarter-finals, with coach Michael Cheika quitting soon after.
However he will largely be remember as the chairman who presided over the sacking of Wallabies superstar Israel Folau — who sparked fresh outrage at the weekend with a sermon about the drought being God’s punishment.
READ MORE: Clock ticks of Clyne’s reign | Jones tells Folau: button up | Rugby boss sticks boot into own team | Cheika forced to bear burden of failure alone |
Folau was dumped after criticising homosexuals in a social media post. Rugby Australia is currently locked in a multimillion-dollar unfair dismissal case against RA, which is set to go to trial in February.
Clyne insisted the game had made major achievements during his time in charge, including growth in female participation in rugby.
“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.
“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.
“Personally, it’s been an incredible privilege to have served as chairman and to have been part of such a professional and devoted team on the Rugby Australia board and I look forward to continuing to support the game after my time in the role concludes.”
Clyne’s decision to step down will strengthen calls for renewal on the troubled board.
It is understood four vacancies will need to be filled at the RA annual general meeting in April. As well as Clyne, deputy chair Brett Robinson and Paul McLean have served their allotted maximum terms of nine years while the vacancy caused by the resignation of former board member Ann Sherry is yet to be filled.
Clyne’s departure comes as an independent panel conducts a review into the Wallabies’ World Cup flogging.
Former Wallaby and cricket administrator Pat Howard, four-time Olympic rower Bo Hanson and 116-Test Wallabies forward Nathan Sharpe are conducting the review.
There have been widespread calls for the heads of Clyne and RA chief executive Raelene Castle since the disappointing performance in Japan.
More to come
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