Sacked Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan’s bombshell claims off QRU takeover

Former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has launched a scathing attack on Queensland powerbrokers, labelling them ‘two-faced” and accusing them of orchestrating a coup.

Axed Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan has accused the men who saw him sacked of orchestrating a coup to seize control of the game. Picture: AFP

Former Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan has launched a blistering attack on the ‘two-faced’ Queensland powerbrokers who saw him sacked from the board, accusing them of orchestrating a coup to seize control of the national game.

Holding little back, the former Rugby Australia chairman took aim at what he described as Queensland’s “double-dealing”, rejecting claims by his successor, former Reds and Wallaby rugby star Dan Herbert, that he never had any intention of going after the top job until McLennan was voted out on Sunday.

A series of text messages obtained by The Australian showed that Herbert and Queensland Rugby Union chairman Brett Clark – the man who triggered the vote to oust McLennan - were sending messages to him at the same time they were discussing his downfall.

“I’m profoundly disappointed,” McLennan told this masthead.

“I understand that things happen on boards but the double dealing, two-faced, nature of what’s gone on, it’s quite extraordinary.

Axed Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan has accused the men who saw him sacked of orchestrating a coup to seize control of the game. Picture: AFP

“This is well and truly a Queensland takeover. Make no mistake about it.”

Asked about the text messages and whether he knew Queensland officials were preparing a letter calling on McLennan to step down, Herbert sent a statement to The Australian saying he would not comment on any private exchanges.

“My role as a director requires me to have frequent confidential conversations and meeting with various stakeholders,” Herbert said. “I would never breach this confidentiality.

“I am surprised to see private communications between board members now in the public realm. Rugby faces many challenges and I am focused on tackling this head on.”

While board members issued a glowing statement thanking McLennan for his contribution to the game after his ousting on Sunday night, The Australian published a timeline of messages suggesting the move to get rid of him had started much earlier.

A series of exchanges between the three men started last Friday morning when McLennan began asking what was going on.

QRU boss Brett Clark was the man who triggered the vote to oust McLennan.

McLennan has refuted claims Daniel Herbert’s claims that he never had any intention of going after the top job. Picture: Getty Images

“Herbie, in an all day meeting. How’d you go with Brett Clarke (sic)? Can you pls text? Hamish.”

Herbert wrote back a short message.

“Not good, very icy.”

McLennan wrote back.

“What does he want?”

Herbert did not respond to that message but Clark did get on the phone later to tell McLennan that six member unions had signed a letter calling for his removal.

Six days earlier, on November 11, McLennan had rung Clark but the Queenslander did not answer.

Two days later, Clark, who is also chairman of Queensland Ballet, replied, apologising for missing the call but with no hint of what was to come.

“Hi Hamish – sorry I missed your call – crazy weekend. Caught up today as we are down to final interviews for a new AD (artistic director) at QB (Queensland Ballet) – big transition for us so all focusing”, he texted. “Tomorrow I am caught up with ASF (Australian Sports Foundation) as QRU agreed to do a joining presentation on Philathrophy [sic] and Donors to our rugby clubs to start them on their own journeys – now we have the green and gold coming as well to help athletes find money for LA28 and Brisbane 2032 – teach them to fish i say! Having coffee with Herbie this week so might touch base after that. Cheers BC”.

The fallout over McLennan’s axing is just the latest blow to the game’s tarnished image after this year’s disastrous World Cup.

Head coach Eddie Jones has already quit, less than a year into his five-year contract, and there are growing fears about Rugby Australia’s finances with key sponsors believed to be getting cold feet.

Originally published as Sacked Rugby Australia boss Hamish McLennan’s bombshell claims off QRU takeover