Former Wallaby in frame to take over as Rugby Australia CEO

A former Wallaby is in the frame to take the top job at Rugby Australia, as it continues to ramp up its profile.

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos has resigned. Picture: Tim Hunter

Andy Marinos has stepped down from his position as Rugby Australia’s chief executive with a high-profile former Wallaby in the frame to take over.

The Australian has learnt that Marinos tendered his resignation late last week and he told staff in head office of his decision on Monday morning.

The Australian understands Wallaby great and RA board member Phil Waugh is high on the list of replacements.

Rugby insiders say the “greatly respected” former Wallabies captain Phil Kearns is off the market because of his high profile job at AV Jennings.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan. Picture: Stuart Walmsley / Rugby Australia

Kearns has been very much embedded in planning of the World Cup with RA chair Hamish McLennan and Sir Rod Eddington.

The code is keen to continue focusing on ramping up its profile, after the high profile recruitments of not only Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach but Sydney Roosters teen sensation Joseph Suaalii.

The news was confirmed by RA on Monday, with McLennan saying: “We asked Andy to draw upon his impressive career experience and extensive global relationships to re-establish Rugby as a leading code in Australia – he has delivered on this and been fundamental in the turnaround of the business.

“Andy will leave RA having delivered several key projects, including the finalisation of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, locking in the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, planning for a new contracting model for the professional game, implementation of strategy to professionalise Women’s XVs Rugby, and a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for our professional men’s and women’s players.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andy for his contribution to RA. We wish him well with his future endeavours,” McLennan said.

Marinos said he was leaving his role proud of what he had achieved.

“I cannot overstate the commitment and incredible work ethic of the people around me at RA, and the roles they have played in helping drive some critical structural changes for Rugby in this country.

“The foundations have been established and the business is now well-prepared to test the market for private equity investment, making it the right time for me to move on.”

Marinos began as Rugby Australia CEO in February 2021, following five years as the CEO of SANZAAR, rugby’s peak administrative body in the southern hemisphere.