Rugby Australia will this week announce the first phase of a wholesale restructure after lodging their 2019 financial report that provisionally flagged a $9.4 million loss.
Interim chief executive Rob Clarke has the job of re-shaping the embattled organisation in the midst of planning a domestic Super Rugby return in July and attempting to secure a broadcast deal beyond this year.
Clarke, who stepped in following the resignation of former CEO Raelene Castle in April, said signing off on the company’s 2019 financial accounts – on the afternoon of the deadline some two months after provisionally revealing the code’s troublesome state of affairs – was one box ticked.
(Hugh Peterswald/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“The audited and signed accounts have been submitted today, and our 2019 annual report will be published in the coming days,” Clarke said.
“This week we will also announce the first phase of an organisational restructure of the Rugby Australia business which we are in the final stages of completing.”
Rugby Australia stood down more than 100 staff to cope with the financial losses associated with the coronavirus pandemic, while Castle exited as criticism of the administration mounted.
The damage was estimated at $120 million if no further games were possible this season, a scenario that now looks unlikely with a Test series against New Zealand also in the pipeline for later this year.
Australia’s Super Rugby clubs have endured similar standdowns, while the country’s Olympic rugby sevens programs are expected to be decentralised as part of the restructure.
A five-team competition featuring the recalled Western Force, to be known as Super Rugby AU, is expected to kick-off on July 3.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Comical Eddie endorsed Rennie. He may be taking the hiss. I hope not, if he is right about Rennie , let’s get him here fast and get rid of Johnson.
AndyS
Guest
I think you are quite correct when you say "If they were in a stronger position, then it would be a different story". Worth noting too that the corollary to that is that as soon their position improves, things will rapidly go back as they were. Genuine change only happens when it is chosen through a commitment to change. I see no evidence of that, only what they have been forced into for a while by necessity. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible....
Rich1234
Roar Rookie
Given the fact that the ARU are on their knees, I kind of roll my eyes at the comments about change. If they were in a stronger position, then it would be a different story, but given the code is in such poor shape I think it is more of a case of change for the sake of survival. The new mgt have really no alternative but to do what they think is right based on what the current facts tell them. I think people who post should take a step back and have a think about the position Rugby in Australia is in. If they get it wrong, then I am sure they will be slammed but then it spill be a case of leave the keys on the front desk. Take the medicine now, retreat, and hopefully in a few years time we will see some signs of flourishing. But as it stands right now, the other codes are in a far stronger position. AFL have finance, tv deal and a major asset in their stadium, Rugby League have finance, a tv deal, and have started playing with apparently new rule changes that are making the game attractive (I wouldn’t know as I don’t watch league) and rugby has what.......a tighter than tight small loan from the WRC. Sometimes you just have to sit back, button your lips, and hope. And yes, in a perfect world with previous perfect rugby boards and execs (national and state) we wouldn’t be in this position.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I said that I have no confidence in them. Based on my observations of their past . Not obviously in the case of McLennan on anything he has or haven’t done at RA.
Ex force fan
Guest
Strange how quickly they found alternative cost savings than axing another team and state....
RobC
Roar Guru
Off with his head!
pm
Roar Rookie
Who would you have confidence in? and why?
Realist
Guest
I think we need kiwi teams to set and maintain the standard while Australian rugby is recovering from the doomed reign of RA’s ‘larger than life’ former CEO. After this year’s tournament the Force and Rebels will be cut. These two teams should move to private ownership and play against each other given the NRC is also going to be axed. If GRR can have enough quality it may be the start of something
Ex force fan
Guest
And sell it to the broadcasters as Superugby...
Ex force fan
Guest
Not very fair to Castle, however if you replace Castle with Pulver there is no argument from me.
Ex force fan
Guest
Clarke shown what he can do as COO.... maybe he would be better this time.
Realist
Guest
Give them time Tooly, Anything is better than the ultimate kakistocracy of Clyne/Castle/Chieka.
AJ
Guest
Super Rugby AU I think maybe a bit more of a tweak on the name may have been in order. Maybe the "super rugby" part :silly: I spose the teams can save money, keep same jersey and add the AU with a permanent marker.
Chrisso
Roar Rookie
And that CEO Clarke - run the game into the ground in his time in charge. Lucky McLean will be there to steady the ship.
Walter Black
Guest
We need to aggressively slash operating costs, secure income through a media deal that at is at least in line with those costs. Then and only then should we start up with Super Rugby. We need to make sure we can walk before we try to run let alone catch the football.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Hasn't McLennan been hopeless, Tooly? I can't believe he hasn't fixed Australian rugby in all the time he's had.
Ex force fan
Guest
It is difficult to imagine a scenario where real change will not be an improvement. I am more concerned that this would be a window dressing exercise resulting in no change.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I have no confidence in Clark, McLennan , McLean or anyone on the current Board. Does anyone ?
gatesy
Roar Guru
Let's hope for change for the sake of progress and not just change for the sake of change, and not just a knee-jerk reaction.