Embattled Rugby Australia chief executive officer Raelene Castle has fallen on her sword after being told she had lost the support of the board.
Castle brought to an end her tumultuous 2-1/2 year reign on Thursday night, handing in her resignation to RA chairman Paul McLean.
Completing one of the most brutal weeks in Australian sports management, Castle followed NRL boss Todd Greenberg out the door after a sustained attack on her leadership and an extraordinary call to arms from disgruntled former Wallabies captains.
A group of 10 former players, led by World Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones, signed a letter calling for a change in RA’s administration.
A horror final year in charge included a costly legal battle following the sacking of superstar Israel Folau, a poor World Cup performance and fractured relationship with then Wallabies coach Michael Cheika plus the failure to reach agreement for a broadcast deal.
The code is in dire financial straits, looking at a $120 million loss in revenue if no rugby is played this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Castle said in a statement that she had been told RA needed “clear air”.
“I love rugby on every level and I will always love the code and the people I have had the honour of working with since I took this role,” Castle said.
“I made it clear to the board that I would stand up and take the flak and do everything possible to serve everyone’s best interests.
“In the last couple of hours, it has been made clear to me that the board believes my no longer being CEO would help give them the clear air they believe they need.
“The game is bigger than any one individual – so this evening I told the chair that I would resign from the role.
“I will do whatever is needed to ensure an orderly handover. I wish the code and everyone who loves rugby nothing but the best and I would like to thank the people I work with and the broader rugby community for their enormous support.”
Former Test hooker Phil Kearns, who was among the cohort to sign the captains’ plea, missed out on the role to Castle just over two years ago.
He said he has the business experience and financial backing to get RA back on track and resurrect the Wallabies to their former glory after slumping to No.7 in the world.
Castle met with Super Rugby chief executives on Thursday morning to plot their way through the competition shutdown and gave no hint she believed her time in the role was up.
She was however a late withdrawal from a meeting with the state chairmen to go over RA’s financial position.
Castle completed an interview with ABC TV prior to her resignation and said then she believed David Rennie would honour his contract to coach the Wallabies regardless of her situation.
“Ultimately he knows that things can change and I know he has a desperate desire to coach the Wallabies. He’s done a lot work and he’s excited about the young talent coming through,” she said.
“He will come here regardless of where I sit.”
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
You guys should get a room!
TJP
Roar Rookie
"But RWC years are outside the CEO’s control" Who is in control then? seems a bit baseless.
ShaghaiDoc
Guest
Of course she got death threats. Christians are such good people. I am surprised they did not accuse her of being a witch because who else believes in witches.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
TWAS, Stop spoiling good theories with facts please :shocked:
aussierad
Roar Rookie
Be patient my friend. God has his Own Timing. As you can see He has now Squashed the Curve in Australia so he is answering your prayers my friend. The Vicar from Dibley has to go, Nick Farr Jones will be made the next CEO, Izzy will return. All in God's Timing.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Correct, we laugh when Trumpy uses the term "Un-American" to describe an action or thoughts that he doesn't endorse. Like not having the right to keep an AK-47 next to your front door.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Enrique Rodriguez.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Tell us how would you resolve folau's case if the board wanted him out? Or do you really think it was her own decision? :laughing:
Guess
Roar Rookie
Proof that it’s done for the wrong reasons by the opportunists
Ittakesavillage
Roar Rookie
It's easy to cast shade. What are the allegation exactly?
Paul
Roar Guru
We clearly have different ideas about how the word integrity applies to Mr Farr-Jones
Micko
Roar Rookie
I don't have a clue Ken, feel free to enlighten me.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Useful comments.
Izzy Nutz
Guest
You could have done 45 seconds research before asking your usual inane question yes!
jameswm
Roar Guru
I’d tell people in person privately how I know stuff, but oddly enough not on a public forum. ????
Guess
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I wish she'd be less pc, at least in her resignation speech. Imagine what Cheika would say if he was in her place :laughing:
Midfielder
Roar Guru
it was Ken
Guess
Roar Rookie
Come on you can't say "inside info" in the comments seriously :laughing:
Guess
Roar Rookie
Still waiting for Mckeanzie's book...
Machooka
Roar Guru
This is the Holy Grail... many have tried, most (if not all) have failed.