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It’s just another day in paradise at Rugby Australia, with new board member and potential future chairman Peter Wiggs reportedly threatening to quit over who succeeds Raelene Castle as CEO.
» UPDATE: Peter Wiggs officially resigns from Rugby Australia board
News Corp publications are reporting Wiggs, who is set to take over from current chairman Paul McLean this year, is considering resigning after the board refused to endorse his plan to fill the chief executive vacancy.
In a board meeting on Monday night, Wiggs reportedly wanted to immediately bring in current Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll to fill the role, however that was blocked by other board members who instead wanted to follow proper due process.
Carroll was the then-ARU’s general manager for four years in the late 90s, held the same role for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and was ARU deputy CEO from 2007 to 2013. He’s also a personal friend of Wiggs, with the pair formerly playing rugby together for Mosman.
Carroll’s name was first reported as a possible replacement for Castle in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday night, although he denied having spoken to anyone at Rugby Australia and said he didn’t know where the speculation could have come from.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, Carroll still refused to be drawn on whether he would take the job, even after AOC president John Coates endorsed a potential switch back to rugby.
“I’m not really saying much at all, this is a matter for Rugby Australia,” Carroll said.
“I know Peter, we’ve known each other for a long time.
“The matter is with Rugby Australia.
“They certainly need someone with experience at this time, they are not in good shape.
“That is not blaming anyone, it’s just a statement of fact. But there’s always the opportunity to get things right.
“There are a few tough decisions to be made, but those decisions need to be made.”
Wiggs is yet to make any public comment about these developments.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.