Queensland Rugby Union CEO Richard Barker steps down

QRU chief executive Richard Barker has stepped down from the role with immediate effect to attend to personal priorities.

BCM Sport. Queensland Reds new CEO unveiled as Richard Barker at QRU HQ, Butterfield Street, Herston.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Richard Barker has stepped down from the role with immediate effect to attend to personal priorities.

Barker, who has been in the position for almost exactly two years, has informed the board of his decision, with QRU chairman Jeff Miller thanking him for his contribution to the code. “Richard and I have been discussing the QRU’s future requirements for a couple of months, given the changes that he has implemented here over the past two years.

“On behalf of the QRU board, I thank Richard for his significant contribution to the ongoing health of the code in Queensland. We wish him and his family the very best in the coming months and years.”

Barker, who paid tribute to the two chairman with whom he worked, Damian Frawley and Miller, and the QRU board, did not want to disclose his reasons for leaving. “Those who know me well know there’s a bit going on in my life now aside from rugby,” he said.

Certainly he has spoken passionately about women’s health over the past year, with his wife Tracey battling metastatic breast cancer.

The deputy chief executive David Hanham will step up to act as QRU interim CEO as the organisation goes through the process of identifying and appointing its next chief executive.

Barker was a passionate supporter of the redevelopment of Ballymore, which is now at the State Government stage awaiting a decision. He was also the man who made the courageous call to appoint former All Black Brad Thorn as Reds coach this season, his first head coaching role. Although the Reds have won only four matches this season, they have caused a number of leading teams, including the Hurricanes, Highlanders and Waratahs, considerable grief with their determination to fight right to the end.

Under Barker, the QRU has clawed its way back into the black, recording a modest bottom line profit of $22,263 in the 2017 financial year, an improvement of $811,643 on the 2016 result.

“Rugby is incredibly important to people in this state,” Barker said. “The organisation has worked hard to ensure that the game continues to grow and is enjoyed by all Queenslanders.”

He specifically paid tribute to “the enormous group of volunteers” who provide opportunities for girls and boys to play rugby throughout the state.