Long-serving NSW Rugby Union chairman Roger Davis will step down from his position at the end of the month, opting not to stand for re-election at the upcoming AGM.
Davis, who joined the board 12 years ago and has been chairman since 2012, has been the subject of much criticism recently. While he oversaw the Waratahs’ Super Rugby title in 2014, he has also been at the helm during the side’s slide down the standings in recent years, culminating in a winless Super Rugby AU campaign this season.
The decision to sack coach Rob Penney at the end of March also drew significant fan anger, and it was widely speculated at the time that Davis would stand down at this month’s AGM.
The NSWRU board has selected Tony Crawford to take over as chairman, and he will be formally elected at the May 31 meeting.
“It is an honour to be elected as Chairman at a time when we are going through so many changes at the Waratahs and I see improving the alignment of rugby in NSW, from the grassroots to the professional level as one of our highest priorities,” Crawford said.
Crawford has been a NSWRU director since 2018, and previously had a seven-year stint as a director at Northern Suburbs.
Outgoing chairman Davis said it was the right time for a new chairman.
“A new CEO [Paul Doorn] is in place, the search is underway for a new head coach, we have a young and talented team showing all the signs of a great future ahead of them and our centre of excellence is about to begin construction,” Davis said.
“As Chairman I’ve been able to oversee all of this and other major milestones at NSW Rugby, including the Waratahs making two semi-finals and winning the Super Rugby Championship in 2014, negotiating the merger of the NSW and Waratah boards and securing the financial future of the organisation.
“While rugby has faced some serious headwinds over the last few years, I think at club and state level, NSW is at the beginning of a new and sustained period of success.”
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
"haven't heard a peep". Indeed, and yet I'm sure they wonder why the general rugby public has little time for them.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Unfortunately 0 from 3. :crying:
cinque
Roar Rookie
I was in the same year as Tony Crawford at Grammar. He played 1st 15 (the All Blacks) not that that is saying much. Grammar last won GPS Rugby in 1967 and quit first grade all together in 2012.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
The figurehead was a maid in bed....if any of you remember your old rugby songs?
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Davis taking credit for 2014 is typically delusional. Whatever anyone thinks and says about Cheika, that was his premiership. He had to work against that Board not with them to secure it.
Boosho
Roar Pro
Don't let the door hit your...
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
His leaving statement did big up the changes just about to happen which may improve the Waratahs. If they work, he can claim his legacy as these changes he put in place. If they don't work, he can claim that the following board didn't do enough to let his legacy succeed.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Don't pull you punches, Waxy, tell us what you really think of him! :silly:
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Jez. those qualifications would be perfect if you went to Shore School, Syd Uni and live in Mosman.
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Tony Crawford Rodger Dodger Davis proud North Shore men. Im sure Tony will do his best for the west. Nah just kidding.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
Good - F&%$ off Davis :thumbup:
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
His legacy of incompetence will haunt the Waratahs for years. Let's hope they don't waste any of their hard earned cash reserves giving him a final payout
Goodbye NRC
Roar Rookie
I really hope they can turn it around and make the Tahs a formidable team and live up the high expectations, we the supports have for them.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
It's done and dusted, my final comment is that the measure of success is whether the organisation is in a better position when you leave than when you arrived. It's going to take a long time to get NSW up and running again competitively - a pretty new CEO, no coach, no head of rugby performance/ recruitment, new Chair. But we will stick with the Tahs through these dark times. I do wonder where the former NSW Captains/Wallabies Captains are, (#letter), they all got stuck into Raelene and the Chair, haven't heard a peep in regards to the Tahs set up.
Mouseketeer
Guest
Have they listed their crowds for the season yet? Any idea of an ETA on that one?
Malo
Guest
What sport competition has one team the tahs where you can watch them at a venue twice a month and think you can afford to entice supporters and pay your players. That is why every country and every sport has a club based system with more than one team in it.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I know 2 of them personally, didn't realise they were on the Board. My attitude is heart in the right place, but would have no clue what a high achieving coach is or how to pick the right person.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Now the rest of the board and CEO need to go. Or dissolve the Waratahs. Create two franchises in Sydney. And let’s have a 6-team comp.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: I am a bad person KP!! Send him my apologies
Seb
Guest
Can you imagine the Crusaders, Toulouse, South Africa Bulls chairmans claiming what a great job they did by winning one tournament 7 years ago? The biggest number of players, resources, etc.....and zero wins......an apology would be more accurate here.....