The Australian Rugby Union has adopted a new independent governance model after voting for constitutional change on Monday.
Following in the footsteps of the AFL and NRL, an independent board of directors will be appointed as part of recommendations being implemented from the Arbib Review of the sport.
Over coming months a four-member independent nominations committee will be established to recommended new directors for election.
Existing directors will serve out their terms before moving on, but will have the right to be considered again as independent nominees.
The new system will give voice to Super Rugby franchises and distribute votes more evenly across states, territories and also to the Rugby Union Players Association.
Voting numbers have increased from 14 to 16 and each State and Territory has the opportunity to secure an additional vote should they join NSW and Queensland in passing 50,000 registered players in their region.
The required 75 per cent of members voted on Monday to adopt a new government model following recommendations from the Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby (the Arbib Review), which was released in October.
“Today marks an historic occasion for Australian rugby,” said ARU president Ron Graham.
“We have listened to our members and worked with them to get to where we are today.
“I am proud that the decision has been made to take the game to the next level and officially move to having an independent corporate governance structure.”
jeznez
Roar Guru
WCR, 75% was to implement the new strucure. Only need 66.6666% to elect the independent directors. The other role of the voting Members is to define the core business of the ARU and I haven't seen it detailed what percent needs to vote there, I assume that would take 75%.
jeznez
Roar Guru
true, Tahs and NSWRU can vote differently. Different situation in Qld where a single board controls the two QRU votes and the Reds vote.
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
I'd like to think it is to encourage development within the other states. The ARU have also released their annual feel good figures. There has been growth but there really needs to be more focus on turning the irregular schools numbers into regular prticipations. One of the many challenges facing the new commissioners when they are selected. Here's the link. http://www.rugby.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1699/ArticleID/8148/Default.aspx
PeterK
Roar Guru
I think its fairness. Imagine that say Christmas island formed a union and had 30 registered players. Do they deserve an equal vote with NSWRU?
PeterK
Roar Guru
but the Waratahs could vote against NSWRU since they are separate entities. That is my point. I should of put NSWRU and not NSW on my 1st reply though, that was wrong.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Pete - actually it is 6. One each as member unions, one each for having 50,000 registered players and one each for their Super sides. Have been looking at the review on the ARU website and will see if I can pop a summary of the new structure up in an article later today.
RedsNut
Guest
I don't understand why more than 50k registered players should entitle an extra vote. Anyone enlighten me, or is it just NSW and QLD wanting a bit more power?
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Also, both NSW and QLD have 3 votes each. One for the frnchise, one for the body and one for having in excess of 50,000 players. Still fairer than the original set up and should encourage the other Unions with SR franchise to really push development to ganin a similar foothold in voting terms.
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Didn't the reference relate to the fact that they needed the 75% majority to enact the new constitution or did I miss that bit. Regardless, good to see some semblance of parity being developed.
p.Tah
Guest
Private owners will only have the one vote for their franchise.
PeterK
Roar Guru
NSW and QLD have 4 votes between them. If everyone votes against them then they have 12/16 votes which is the required 75%. So no they do not have veto power together.
AndyS
Guest
Has anyone seen how the new voting system would work? Every article contains the 75% number that is currently required, but will this continue in the future or change to 50%? If it remains at 75%, it is interesting to note that NSW/Q'ld will collectively retain veto. But far more interesting is that , should they bring in private ownerships, a group of private individuals would also have that power...
Slacky
Guest
Move in the right direction. Simple really just mirror what the AFL is doing and give it a tweak in the right places. Even look overseas for a boss even look at European soccer for a candidate. But he or she has to be the best.
Johnno
Guest
Sounds all good in practice. But I wonder the following , and if its all a smokescreen and if nothing will change. What if this. What if super rugby , collapses and we go back to the ARC then. Then what . How with the governance structure be worked. If super rugby expands with new teams, and that's a big if, willl they get a vote. ANd this giving voice to super rugby franchises. I thought a major part of the Arbib review was, too have the ARU be more centralised , and have more say not less. The contents conflicts of interest between super rugby sides, and the wallabies could happen just as much as in the past, the old club vs country tug of war.