Rugby bosses come together to back RA reforms

The chairmen of all the Australian provinces — save for the biggest one, NSW — have come out in firm support of Rugby Australia and its process of reform.

Wallaby forwards in a huddle during the match against Manu Samoa in Sydney in September. Picture: Getty Images

The chairmen of all the Australian provinces — save for the biggest one, NSW — have come out in firm support of Rugby Australia and its process of reform.

NSWRU chair Roger Davis seemingly refused to sign the joint statement, just a day after he announced that all the states and provinces fully supported the presumptive Rugby Australia chair Peter Wiggs’ demand that Matt Carroll of the Australian Olympic Committee be appointed RA CEO and that room be found on the board for the return of two-time ARU chief executive John O’Neill.

In fact, the other states were livid that Davis had presumed to speak for them and today’s statement can only be seen as a pointed correction.

In particular, they said they did not support “individuals or groups designating appointments”. “We are supportive of the process of restructure with appropriate consultation,” the statement added.

It also came out strongly in support of RA’s interim chairman Paul McLean, who has been battling in recent weeks to keep the sport afloat.

While it did not specifically mention the RA board’s appointment of Rob Clarke as interim RA CEO, the statement backed the national body to see the game through the COVID-19 crisis.

The statement on behalf of the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, WA, South Australia and Tasmanian rugby unions reads:

“As the Chairs of Australian Rugby’s provincial representative bodies and as constitutional members of Rugby Australia (RA), we are fully supportive of the RA Board’s ongoing work around reform and renewal, which has been underway for a number of months.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created its own set of extra challenges during this process, RA Chairman Paul McLean has our complete support to continue this process of transition.

“Australian Rugby’s provincial representatives do not support individuals or groups designating appointments. We are supportive of the process of restructure with appropriate consultation.

“We feel it is vitally important for all rugby’s stakeholders to maintain a calm focus, and to give Paul the support and time he and the board require, as we collectively navigate through this transitional period.

“In times where Australian Rugby has been strong, it has succeeded by jointly understanding the needs of its members and has created and delivered strategies on and off the field to sustain and grow the code.

“This common philosophy and approach is required now, more than ever, given the challenges facing the code and all Australians, during this global health crisis.

“We place our trust in Paul and his RA Board to continue to consult with his members in the knowledge that there are highly skilled individuals on the RA Board, who each possess the experience and acumen that will allow Australian Rugby to move forward as we all plan for a gradual return to community and elite Rugby in Australia in the weeks and months to come.”