Rugby Union Player Association CEO will step down from the role to take the top job at the Waratahs at the start of March.
Harris will take Jason Allen’s place after he stood down at the end of last season’s successful Super Rugby campaign.
Harris has been in charge of RUPA for the last four and a half years, and has previously been CEO of the Western Force and Rugby WA.
Waratahs Rugby Chairman, Roger Davis welcomed the appointment.
“The Waratahs’ Board are delighted to make this announcement and welcome Greg to the Waratahs family,” Davis said.
“Greg has a wealth of knowledge accumulated through an extensive set of experiences in both the sporting and business worlds – it would be fair to say that his skills, networks and previous roles are unique in the broader Australian sporting landscape, but particularly with respect to rugby.
“He will bring exceptional sports administration experience to the Waratahs. His previous roles as CEO of RUPA, the Western Force and Sydney University Sport provide him with a wide range of expertise across both the commercial and high performance components of the business.
“In particular his extensive experience and skills in the areas of player contracting, welfare and recruitment which are at the heart of the game today, namely attracting, developing and retaining the code’s best rugby players.”
Harris acknowledged RUPA on leaving, and said Australian rugby depended on a strong Waratahs side.
“I would like to acknowledge the support which I have received from the RUPA Board which has enabled me to take up this position, in particular the Chairman, Mr Bruce Hodgkinson SC” Harris said.
“During my tenure with RUPA the priority for the players’ association has been the welfare of the game in Australia, and one could say that my appointment to this position is an extension of that priority.
“Australian Rugby needs a strong and successful Waratahs and I trust that I can continue to deliver on the platform which the Waratahs’ Board and coach, Michael Cheika have provided for the organisation.”
Common Sense
Guest
So, the announcement of the Waratahs new CEO isn't news worthy?
pjm
Roar Rookie
He's just a headline reader.
Billy Bob
Guest
A few extreme sentiments there Jay. Do you know anything that the rest of us don't?
Frieghter
Guest
So what?... sure he is a lovely bloke, but seriously - slow news day?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He managed his end pretty well. Many would argue that Australian rugby union players have one of the best deals of all, relative to their code and market. Imagine what he could do when he's acting for a team, not against them all.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
“During my tenure with RUPA the priority for the players’ association has been the welfare of the game in Australia" Given the game's welfare is at an all time low following the KB and now Hunt scandals, I'd say the Tah's have hired a real schmuck here if he's in any way representative of the attitude and cluelessness of RUPA... "and one could say that my appointment to this position is an extension of that priority." Ah, now I get it... his role was to protect highly overpaid alcoholics in rugby...