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ARU set to announce a new CEO

Roar Guru
8th January, 2013
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Roar Guru
8th January, 2013
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2466 Reads

If my information is correct, Michael Hawker will name his former 1984 Grand Slam Wallaby team mate Bill Calcraft as the CEO of the Australian Rugby Union at a press conference at 2pm today.

For those of you who are asking Bill who, here is a little background on the man.

William Joseph Calcraft is a an unassuming 53 year old who played three Tests for the Wallabies between 1985-86 under the tutelage of Alan Jones, who noticed Calcraft’s competitive, non nonsense style when Jones coached Calcraft and Manly to the Sydney premiership in 1983.

Like Hawker, Calcraft did not win starting selection for any of the 1984 Grand Slam tests but was a try scoring debutant against Canada in Sydney in 1985.

Calcraft went on to play two more Tests against Argentina and Italy in 1986.

Calcraft never played in a losing Wallaby team. Furthermore, Calcraft is also the nephew of the late Bill Gunther, himself a former Wallaby forward of the 1950s.

Calcraft went onto the famed Oxford University, where in between captaining the rugby team, he read politics, philosophy and economics.

Post rucking and mauling, Calcraft has performed in the boardroom winning “Renewable Energy Award” whilst working for Allianz Insurance.

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Calcraft has recently been working as an investment banker and has gained a reputation for possessing integrity and a no-nonsense commercial brain.

Calcraft appears to be a good fit for the CEO role as Australian rugby is in need of fresh thinking – a renewable energy, if you will.

Coupled with his relationship with Hawker, his own Wallaby credentials, and a no-nonsense approach to life and a reputation for hard work and integrity, things look positive for Australian Rugby … if my information is correct.

On a side note, former ARU CEO Jon O’Neill was sighted dining with Robbie Deans at Mosman’s own Il Peregino Restaurant with their respective wives just prior to Christmas.

Now, what would those two be chatting about?

Note: At time of publishing, The Roar couldn’t verify if this ‘Roar of the Crowd’ opinion article about Bill Calcraft’s possible appointment is correct or not.

Following the ARU’s announcement at 2pm, Bill Pulver has been chosen as the new CEO for Australian Rugby Union.

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