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Castle new Rugby Australia boss: reports

Raelene Castle is just one of the many women who make the rugby league world turn. (Image: Photosport)
11th December, 2017
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Former Canterbury NRL chief executive Raelene Castle is reportedly to take over as Rugby Australia’s new boss and make another piece of sports administration history.

» Rugby AU confirm Castle as new CEO
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A number of media outlets reported late on Monday evening and early Tuesday morning that New Zealander Castle would be appointed to succeed incumbent chief executive Bill Pulver.

Announcing in August that Perth’s Western Force was being cut from Super Rugby, Pulver said he would stand down once a replacement was found.

His contract is due to expire next February and it is not yet clear if he will see out his tenure

Rugby Australia has yet to confirm the Castle’s appointment, with News Corp Australia reporting it will be announced on Tuesday.

If confirmed, Castle would become the first female boss of any of the national governing bodies of the four major football codes in Australia.

She was the first female CEO of an NRL club and stepped down from the role in May.

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Prior to that she headed up Netball New Zealand.

At the Bulldogs, Castle oversaw three finals appearances, including 2014’s losing grand final.

But her final year at the club was less successful as coach Des Hasler was re-signed for two years in April before being sacked after the club finished 11th.

The debacle led to Hasler taking the Bulldogs to court, seeking $2 million in damages after allegedly being told his contract was not binding.

Pulver has also endured a difficult 2017, with much of the anger over the Western Force’s axing from Super Rugby directed towards the Sydneysider as the struggling Melbourne Rebels were spared.

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