Cameron Clyne told to step away from rugby power role

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Departing Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne. Picture: AAP

Geoff Stooke, the former Rugby Australia director who quit over the axing of the Western Force, has called on departing chairman Cameron Clyne to stand aside as head of the nominations committee because his dual roles are in contravention of Sport Australia’s governance principles.

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Citing principle 3.9 — “the chair of the nominations committee should be independent from the chair of the board” — Mr Stooke on Tuesday said it was inappropriate for Mr Clyne to continue as committee chairman.

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Mr Clyne has announced his decision to stand down as RA chairman at the governing body’s AGM in March, when four board roles will be up for grabs.

As head of the nominations committee, Mr Clyne would have a major say in the make-up of the new board, who would then elect the next chairman.

“Cameron has made the decision to go,” Mr Stooke said. “That’s his decision. I’d now be reluctant, if I was in his position, to get too involved in decision-­making that affects the future of the organisation. The nomin­ations committee could live without the chair of the RA board being involved at all.”

Former Rugby Australia director Geoff Stooke (right) with mining tycoon Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, who’s been mooted as a potential candidate for a board position in the wake of Cameron Clyne’s resignation. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Stooke confirmed his interest in returning to the RA board. He also said Mr Clyne should take a back seat in the ­appointment of the next Wallabies coach, advocating faith being put in a homegrown or home-based mentor for the Test job.

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“The key to successful coaching at this level is the ability to manage your people and your ­resources” he said.

“Look at our most successful coaches. Alan Jones, a master in managing the troops around him. Bob Dwyer, the second time around, he managed his resources exceptionally well. Rod Macqueen had the most incredible ability to relate to people.

“Rather than recycling coaches, I’d be looking at one of the younger brigade as being able to do the job. Tim Sampson at the Force is an exceptional young man. Dave Wessells in Melbourne. (Dan) McKellar. John Mulvihill. Scotty Wisemantel.

“These are quality guys. I think we have to get away from writing off all the Australians. I’d be saying have a look at these guys. If they can manage people and resources and listen to the right people, they can do the job.”

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