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Hamish McLennan says he has no regrets about his decision to headhunt Eddie Jones for the Wallabies head coaching role despite the nation’s World Cup flop.
In an interview with The Roar, the Rugby Australia chairman admitted the game’s direction under his leadership had been a mixed bag, but said he was intent on staying in the role through until 2027 and believed the game must move away from short-term thinking.
McLennan’s comments came after the Wallabies’ embarrassing 40-6 defeat to Wales, which all but confirmed that the two-time world champions would miss the quarter-finals for the first time in the 10 editions of the World Cup.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan says he has no regrets about being the driver behind Eddie Jones’ return as Wallabies coach. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Their consecutive Pool C defeats also meant Jones had won just one of eight Tests since returning to the job in January.
“Eddie is a world-class coach and is doing what he thinks is right. We need to be careful we don’t knee-jerk from one situation to another,” McLennan said.
“Everyone is massively disappointed.
“Rugby in Australia needs a complete restructure. The North has caught up to the South and we need a more centralised efficient structure to compete.”
Q: Hamish, fans were walking out by the 70th minute against Wales, what was your reaction at full-time?
I thought how did mighty Australian Rugby get to this from 2003. I feel sad for the amazing loyal Wallaby fans.
Q: Eddie Jones insisted he could turn the Wallabies around following the defeat to Wales. Do you believe him and, if so, why?
I think the stark reality is that Rugby in Australia needs a massive overhaul which we’ve been saying for three years now.
Eddie Jones at the Parc Olympique ahead of the Wallabies’ heavy loss to Wales on September 24, 2023 in Lyon. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Q: We’re sitting here today in France. Fans are angry, players are in tears. Plenty have lost faith in your coach. What are the top three priorities for you as Rugby Australia chairman?
Q: Eddie Jones was bullish about what he could achieve. The failure to achieve that has resulted in a huge backlash. Does the sentiment of any publicity is good publicity ring true?
That’s an honest assessment. I really believe Eddie felt he could make a bigger impact given the short time frame. He’s used to winning.
Q: With regards to whether Eddie Jones spoke with the JFRU or not. Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui posted on Twitter, “How many coaches do you think are talking with other teams while still contracted, I reckon it would be quite a few?!” Is it an issue if a coach is keeping their options open?
The JRFU admire and respect Eddie. I think Simon Raiwalui makes a fair point. This type of thing does go on in every day life.
Q: You encouraged Eddie Jones to be bold with selection. Going forward, do the Wallabies have to return to a selection committee?
That’s something the review needs to contemplate.
Samu Kerevi reacts following the Wallabies’ heavy defeat to Wales at Parc Olympique on September 24, 2023 in Lyon. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Q: You were the architect behind Eddie’s return. Do you have any regrets this year around parachuting back into the head coaching role and any bullish public statements you made?
No. Eddie’s cutting from England provided a catalyst which we had to decide on quickly. Dave’s win rate was 38% and Eddie’s was 73%. We were going no where fast. Those bullish statements also helped us get new Sponsors, the ‘27 and ‘29 World Cups, get a broadcast arrangement and cut us a fair deal against the Kiwis when they tried ruin us.
Q: How vital was a strong World Cup campaign for the health and sustainability of Australian rugby?
Really important. It’s a big setback but not terminal.
Q: Has Australian rugby gone forward or backward under your watch?
It probably looks like a mixed bag at the moment with a massive miss on the RWC but we were dead three years ago. If we reform and centralise, the game we prosper.
Q: In 2001, 13.76% of Rugby Australia’s expenditure was related to community rugby. In 2019, it was 3.59%. Well below the AFL and NRL. Does this approach need a rethink?
It should be more like 20% for us but requires long term sustainable funding.
Q: You’re a businessman, someone who works in finance and deliverables. Plenty in the rugby community are calling for your resignation. Are you considering your future as Rugby Australia chairman and, as of today, are you still committed to going through until 2027?
I’ve always been committed to going through to 2027 and still am. Two home World Cups will be transformative for our game and provide the time and runway to fix our multiple issue. Rugby has suffered from short term thinking and needs to come together and reform.
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.