Now that Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle has left the top job before she was booted into touch, a long list of contenders for the CEO position has arisen.
While the decision-making process should be a considered effort, time is of the essence, as the game will be without a broadcasting deal in the not too distant future. This is on the back of the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the world and brought all sport to a standstill.
Rugby in this country faces an uncertain future among the top-tier of winter codes available to the public to consume.
Here is a list of the current contenders with one addition who seems to be able to run any sport he puts his hand to. While this is not a diverse or exhaustive list, it’s is a realistic look at those who are available and could potentially steer the game for the next few years.
Peter Wiggs
A recent addition to the Rugby Australia board, joining just three weeks ago. He was charged with negotiating the pay deal with players and quickly came to a resolution with the players union to resolve the situation. He brings with him an impressive business background, which the game desperately needs at the moment, coming from private equity fund Archer Capital, which he founded. He also has a background in sport administration, having recently come from the Supercars.
Daniel Herbert
The former Wallaby has experience as a top-level player and administrator, making him hard to ignore. He held a number of positions with the Queensland Reds before moving to become the CEO of Queensland property company SSKB.
Nick Farr-Jones
Rugby royalty, having captained the Wallabies to World Cup glory. He was chairman of NSW Rugby but left the post in controversial circumstances. However, he does have an impressive corporate background, having worked for Societe Generale for many years, and is now with Taurus Funds Management.
Phil Kearns
A current Fox Sports commentator, former Wallaby Kearns failed in his bid to take the top job in 2017. A savvy operator, he was in a key position to take the role until Wiggs came on the scene. He’s one of 11 former Wallabies to sign the infamous letter of no confidence in Castle, so he clearly doesn’t lack the nerve to take on the big issues.
Todd Greenberg
An outsider but a pick from out of the box if ever there was one. Castle and Greenberg seem to follow in each other’s footsteps, and at least he knows the way to HQ being opposite his former digs at the NRL.
David Gallop
Is he currently retired or just waiting for his next opportunity? Gallop is used to the cut and thrust of running a political game. Having run the NRL and Football Federation Australia, Gallop is regarded as one of the most experienced operators in the business. A safe pair of hand, though not a rugby person.
James Sutherland
Cricket Australia CEO for 17 years, he knows how to deal with competing interests. He used to running a global sport – maybe this is the appointment that the games needs. He would represent new blood and new thinking in these uncertain times.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Muglair: just went and read your excellent article. I was amazed that it attracted only 21 posts, I thought it was critical reading for anyone interested in fixing the mess. Your statement about Justin Harrison had me thinking he might be the man to get us out of this if he would take it? I didn't read the replies and will do so at another time. Considering the mess we are in yours is the only article I have read here that takes a different view and should be compulsory reading for the board. I missed it and regret it, I think the headline did you no favours.
gatesy
Roar Guru
I think it would be great if David got the nod, but, as usual, the Roarers have made up their minds with no evidence - nothing new there - has he actually put his hand up? Is this article a probe to gauge interest, written by a stooge? I was an acquaintance of the Gallop family in Canberra and was engaged with them, off and on, with Justice John Gallop, with whom I had associated as a member of the Navy Reserve Legal Panel, and sons and daughter. All lovely people. At that time, David was still with his previous employer before his involvement with Rugby League. A very down to earth bloke, but what struck me was his massive intellect. It was no surprise to me that he not only went on to become such a great sports administrator, but also that he lasted so long, in two major sports, and introduced so much change. To be at the head of two major sporting organisations in this country for as long as he did speaks volumes, and I, for one would love to see what he could do for Rugby, if he chooses to throw his hat in the ring.
oomtas
Roar Rookie
My pick would be Andrew Abdo now with rugby league .A mover and shaker with a good track record thus far .If not as CEO he should be there in some capacity.
Jacko
Guest
Corne it looks like a regular bloke from SA will be in charge of the NRL so why not the rugby......Aussies dont hate SAs like they do KIWIs
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How is Papworth gonna go at RA? They don't have TG Milner to sell to stay afloat...
Maddo
Roar Rookie
I did nominate Brett Papworth, in my second last paragraph! Only a few years ago, Papworth predicted the mess the game now finds itself in, as well as tabling a plan to redress the disconnection with Grassroots rugby!
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I’ll put my hand up to have go... what’s the worst that could happen?
Mark Scarfe
Roar Guru
Interesting points. You failed to nominate who could do the job. If not someone on my list, then who? I think you opinion of Peter Wiggs based on his address is not a considered opinions to the mans CV and ability.
Mark Scarfe
Roar Guru
In regard to Gallop? I think he did a good job considering the standard of the sport he had to steer. Domestic football in Australia is a poor product no matter how you dress it up. RL and AFL are the top comps of their kind anywhere in the world. Football is not so people will pay Optus to watch the EPL instead of the A-League on Fox.
Would have been dictator style though, he wasn’t much for listening to anyone else.
Kicker
Roar Rookie
I think the departed Louis Luyt would have sorted this out in no time.
Andrew Lang
Guest
Until the tail stops wagging the dog, rugby in Australia is never going to be cleaned up. I can still remember NFJ speaking out against a national competition because it was going to deplete his beloved Sydney Uni. PK? Can you see anyone but NSW getting a fair go?. RU need to cast a wide net.
Steve 50
Roar Rookie
Steve Tew
Chopper
Roar Rookie
My heart says Herbert but head says Gallop. That said the problem requiring fixing is that the Wallabies and our Super Rugby teams are crap. I don't believe we lack the individual player skills. We lack a system that harnesses those skills into winning teams. What we have is a system based on old school private school nepotism. So preferably someone from outside the system.
Anything to make us forget Invictus.
Rhino66
Roar Rookie
Another name to consider is Stephen Pitt who resigned recently as CEO of Golf Australia. Has had various roles in sports admin across a few different sports and has a reputation for implementing restructure programs. However financial results of Golf Australia were not great under his leadership (unsure if there were mitigating reasons or not).
aussikiwi
Guest
I think there's a movie in that.
Maddo
Roar Rookie
Hi Mark, A very interesting and salient topic. Here is my two bobs worth: Peter Wiggs – keep him on the board, we don’t need another CEO from Mosman! Daniel Herbert – Could play, but I don’t know enough about his background outside of his playing days. I would be interested to understand the work Daniel has been doing for Grassroots Rugby recently! Nick Farr-Jones – His questionable departure from NSW Rugby disqualifies him from the top job! Phil Kearns – A huge conflict of interest being a Fox Sports employee disqualifies him from the top job! Todd Greenberg – No understanding of the unique culture of the game a little grassroots connections. Reportedly poor stakeholder management at the end of his NRL tenure! David Gallop – So wrong on many fronts! James Sutherland – James bought in Pat Howard as CA’s High-Performance Manager. Let me guess, as RA CEO he will probably hire Merv Hughes as the Wallabies high-performance Manager – please!! Here is one name that should be seriously considered – BRETT PAPWORTH! Has played at the highest level and understands the grassroots of the game, is widely respected, and importantly has a well-considered and viable plan for the game! I cannot believe his name is not in the mix!
Gary
Guest
Hooper is on $1.2 million though. For doing nothing. He must halve his salary immediately.
AndyS
Guest
If the game could afford it, he should be given the job with a hearty handshake and the assurance of as much help, support and unity as all his predecessors had been afforded by Australian rugby.