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Australian Rugby Union has today released the Arbib Review, titled Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby.
The report, which has been considered by the ARU for the past week before being made public, looked into the game’s Corporate Governance structures.
It has been released without changes from the ARU, despite some report findings “not necessarily in accord” with the game’s governing body.
The key recommendations from the Review are:
In a statement, ARU Chairman Michael Hawker AM said the review was important for the game at all levels.
“The work undertaken by Mr Arbib over the past six months is greatly appreciated by the Board and, if supported by ARU’s Member Unions, will benefit Australian Rugby for years to come,” said Hawker.
“The review, and the Board’s decision to endorse it, is about providing the best structure to govern and represent our game at all levels.
“Rugby is part of one of the most competitive sporting marketplaces in the world and if we as a sport want to continue to grow and prosper in to the future then our Corporate Governance structure needs to reflect the modern day sporting market.”
Hawker said the Arbib Review was not made public immediately so that key stakeholders had time to consider the Review’s findings.
“After receiving the Review last week we have provided our key stakeholders with the opportunity to review and consider the recommendations in the Arbib Review before making it public,” said Hawker.
“The Board recognises the goodwill and support of Member Unions is required for us to adopt the recommendations and proposed changes within the Review.
“It is important to understand that this is an historic opportunity to help secure the future of Rugby for all our stakeholders, from the grassroots to the elite level, a fact I am sure is not lost on any of our stakeholders.”
“In supporting each of the Review’s key recommendations the Board acknowledged that the Review also contained a very thorough assessment of Australian Rugby’s position within the Australian and global sports market.
“Whilst some of Mr Arbib’s observations and findings do not necessarily accord with those of all members of the Rugby family, the Board believes it’s important to publish the Review without change, which is what we have done.”
The review’s author, Mark Arbib, said the Review’s recommendations were made to assist Rugby in strengthening its place in the Australian sporting marketplace.
“The success with which Rugby has been able to establish itself as one of Australia’s marquee professional sports, in a relatively short space of time and in such a competitive market, is impressive,” said Arbib.
“The challenge for Rugby now, if it is to keep pace with its competitors, is to take the next step and adopt best practice governance arrangements for the sport.
“The recommendations in the Review are focussed on promoting greater communication and transparency throughout Rugby as well as establishing frameworks for the best possible decision-making.
“The recommendations are aimed at growing and strengthening the Game – from the grassroots to the elite.
“With next year’s Lions tour and the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympics there is clearly a very bright future for Rugby in Australia.
“Pursuing governance reform will help ARU to better seize these opportunities for the benefit of the entire Rugby community.
“I would like to congratulate John O’Neill and the Board for taking this important step and I strongly encourage all of Rugby’s stakeholders to work with ARU on adopting reform.”
ARU’s Board will spend the coming weeks discussing the Review’s recommendations with key stakeholders
To read the two documents released today, click the following:
>> ARU Board Summary of Review Recommendations
>> Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby (full document)
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