The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Rugby Australia is turning into Fort Freefall

12th December, 2018
Advertisement
Autoplay in... 6 (Cancel)
Up Next No more videos! Playlist is empty -
Replay
Cancel
Next
Expert
12th December, 2018
156
4511 Reads

There’s one burning question from the rugby faithful which I keep answering: “Who is Rugby AU chairman Cameron Clyne?”

Clyne was a genuine and highly-respected heavyweight in the banking industry before he retired, but he’s a proven paperweight as a rugby administrator.

The axing of the Western Force from Super Rugby and the ongoing farce over Michael Cheika’s fate and future are two major lowlights on the Clyne watch.

On Monday, Cheika had his annual review with the board, explaining how his team lost nine of 13 internationals this campaign.

After the meeting, Clyne came out to give a rubbish update to the press, revealing no conclusion has yet been reached.

What the hell?

“We’ve had a presentation from Michael, data gathered from him, from his coaching staff, from the players and the high performance unit, and we need to go through a fairly thorough review process,” Clyne said.

“We’ve got all the information we need and we’ll be going through that process. I know people are very keen to know what’s going on but I thought it was important to at least let you know where we are in that process.

Advertisement

“We’ll have more to say and have that process wrapped up ahead of Christmas.”

All up, it took just over a minute before he bolted, refusing to answer any questions – Clyne mentioned “process”, but no progress.

Why the board needs up to two weeks to come up a decision is beyond belief. Either Cheika stays put until the Rugby World Cup is over in nine months, or is replaced.

Maybe the board has no replacement takers. Who wants a poisoned chalice?

Whatever the reason, Clyne should be made to watch his gibber many times over, and if he’s not totally embarrassed, he should resign immediately, and take the rest of his board with him.

How can rugby in Australia enjoy any sanity when the top dogs can’t even bark?

close