Former Wallabies skippers sign letter calling for change at top of RA

Some of the biggest names in Australian rugby history have united to sign an extraordinary letter calling for change at the top of Rugby Australia.

The remarkable letter has been signed by former Wallabies stars George Gregan, Nick Farr-Jones, George Smith, Stirling Mortlock, Michael Lynagh, Simon Poidevin, Phil Kearns, Stephen Moore, Jason Little, Rod McCall and Nathan Sharpe.

Nick Farr-Jones and David Campese with the World Cup in 1991.Credit:

The Herald has obtained the letter. Sources say World Cup-winning captain Farr-Jones is the driving force behind the push for change.

Notably, prominent former Wallabies John Eales, Tim Horan and Andrew Slack have not signed it.

The letter primarily addresses the need for a change in leadership at Rugby Australia, calls for several reviews undertaken in recent years regarding the state of the game to be released and for the game's finances to be made available at a special general meeting no later than April 30.

"As Wallaby captains we feel privileged to have represented our country and led our respective teams into battle, facing difficult situations together," the letter reads.

"We lost some but we won many. Win or lose, every time we pulled on the gold jersey we were driven by the desire to earn the respect of Australian supporters across the country and around the world. We wanted them to be proud of Australian rugby and what Australian rugby stood for.

"In recent times, the Australian game has lost its way. It is a defeat inflicted not by COVID-19, or an on-field foe, but rather by poor administration and leadership over a number of years.

"Our rural clubs, junior clubs, sub-districts and community clubs have been let down and we firmly believe transformation is needed across the game in this country. There’s no time to waste.

"We speak as one voice when we say Australian rugby needs new vision, leadership and a plan for the future. That plan must involve, as a priority, urgent steps to create a much-needed, sustainable, commercial rugby business.

"No doubt there are now good people with good ideas and we must include them in the renewal. There has also been considerable work done in the background to quickly establish a list of urgent initiatives and action items.

Stirling Mortlock was among the signatories.Credit: AP

"A number of highly experienced rugby and business leaders are standing by to mentor and lead. Our schools and clubs are populated with an army of amazing mums and dads and volunteers, and players of all shapes and sizes, who must have a game run for them.

"Our youth deserve to be inspired. They need to see a pathway and to feel a connection with the Wallaby jersey."

The letter then calls for a new vision to take the game forward, as it tries to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is with this in mind we ask the current administration to heed our call and stand aside to allow the game to be transformed so we emerge from this pandemic with a renewed sense of unity and purpose," the letter reads.

"There is only one question that needs to be answered at club level, at state level and at national level: Is this decision in the best interests of Australian rugby?

"Only when we can answer that question openly, honestly and transparently at all levels can we restore Australian rugby to greatness."

Farr-Jones is believed to be the member of the group that on Tuesday delivered the letter to RA chairman Paul McLean.

"I have been in contact with a member of the group today and have offered to arrange a meeting with the full board as soon as is reasonably practicable," McLean said in a statement on Tuesday night.

"These are respected former Wallabies captains and the board would value their input as we work through the challenges that rugby has faced over the last few years and that have been amplified by the coronavirus pandemic.

"The board is also prepared to work with the group to provide them access to the information requested in the letter.

"The board had commenced the process of establishing a review group to investigate a whole-of-rugby review that includes professional rugby, semi-professional rugby and community rugby.

"The board would welcome the input of the signatories of the letter into the review process. It is intended that input for the review would be sought from a wide range of stakeholders, including current and former players.

"Now is the time for us to come together in the interests of the entire rugby community."