Super Rugby sponsor Harvey Norman has decided to end their multi-million deal with Rugby Australia leading former chairman Hamish McLennan to blast the RA board as “boneheads” and “plodders” – although company founder and chairman Gerry Harvey has denied the decision is linked to McLennan’s departure.
McLennan clearly put the blame for the Harvey Norman decision at the feet of those who ousted him, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: “Look at what the boneheads have done. They are arrogant and dopey.”
When contacted by The Roar, McLennan said: “Shame, shame, shame on the Queensland plodders.”
Asked if he continued to support the Wallabies despite his recent criticisms, he replied: “I always will. The Wallabies are my team and, as you know, I’d love to see them succeed.”
The Herald also reported Gerry Harvey denying a link to McLennan’s removal as RA chairman.
“No, no, no, no,” Harvey said. “It’s just the sport itself. So we do that for a while then move on to the next one.
“What we do is, we do whatever sport for a while; we don’t necessarily hang on to it forever.
“So we move around on different sports so we’re very heavy into sport advertising that we don’t necessarily stay with the one sport forever.
“You know we think ‘oh we’ve given that a good go, then we’ll go on to the next one’. In all cases we stop at some stage.”
Harvey Norman has been Super Rugby’s naming rights sponsor since 2021 but it’s understood it was a year-by-year deal.
Rugby Australia said in a statement: “Rugby Australia (RA) wishes to thank Harvey Norman for its enthusiastic support of Rugby over the last three years. RA is currently in market and actively involved in discussions for a replacement.”
The Australian meanwhile reported that Cadbury – another big sponsor brought on by McLennan in his role as RA chairman – were “deeply concerned” about the state of the game following his removal.
The decision by Harvey Norman comes after McLennan warned opponents: “Spear me and there will be a world of pain” before he was replaced as chairman by Dan Herbert.
Harvey Norman has reportedly put $5 million in their rugby sponsorships.
In the days since his removal, McLennan has made it clear that he would not be helping the sport he professed to love following his departure, saying: “They can’t lean on me to continue to help on broadcast deals and the Rugby World Cups in Australia, and all the other commercial matters and still expect me to contribute in that regard.”
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan speaks to the media during a press conference at Matraville Sports High School on January 31, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Foster reveals call that angered All Blacks
Ian Foster says he’ll “never get over” a late call from referee Waynes Barnes in the World Cup final.
Foster, speaking on NZ radio show The Platform, believes the All Blacks should have had a penalty late in their 12-11 loss to South Africa in Paris.
New Zealand had reportedly sent a letter of complaint to World Rugby over some decisons – including a call to disallow a try after a knock on from Sam Whitelock – because too many phases had elapsed between the incident and Aaron Smith crossing over.
Now Foster has confirmed another call that he felt went against them at the death – Barnes failing to ping Kwagga Smith for what Foster said was a clear cut case of hands on the ground.
“You can look at some of the controllables, there was a great Jordie Barrett chip in the first half and Ardie ran onto it, the ball didn’t bounce his way,” Foster said.
Ian Foster, Head Coach of New Zealand, looks on as he walks past The Webb Ellis Cup during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
“We had a couple of goal kicks in that last 20 that didn’t go over.
“I think the World Cup should have finished on a penalty to us, near where Jordie missed his first kick.
“Kwagga Smith clearly had hands on the ground when he won a ball at the breakdown that we didn’t get a penalty for.
“The drama of having a 48-metre penalty to finish a World Cup, that wouldn’t have done anyone’s nerves any good anyway.
“But look, there’s a whole lot of ‘what ifs’, but that’s what it is.”
Foster said he understood that big matches are often decided by close calls but this one would linger forever.
“We’ve always said World Cups are unique and you look back at 2011 for example, we won a really tight game against France 8-7,” Foster said.
“People forget about how tight that game was, they just remember the victory.
“There were cries from the French for a penalty in the last part of that game.
“Am I philosophical? I guess I am about it but what I’ve learnt, I’ll never get over it I don’t think, but there is no point us carrying around a lot of anger about it either because it doesn’t change.
“We’ve just got to acknowledge that’s what finals are about, there is a bit of drama on all counts.”
Farrell keen to play through to 2027
Owen Farrell has returned from the World Cup with the hunger to prolong his career for as long as possible.
Farrell led England to a third-place finish in France following an agonising semi-final defeat by South Africa but, unlike a number of his international peer group, the 32-year-old has no intention of looking towards the finishing line.
Ben Youngs, Courtney Lawes and Jonny May played their final Tests at the World Cup, while Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Danny Care and Manu Tuilagi are also close to signing off at the highest level.
But Farrell has raised the possibility that he could still be present for Australia 2027 as England enter a period of rebuilding.
“I love what I do, I’m passionate about it and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon,” the Saracens captain said at the season launch of the Champions Cup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.
“I’m unbelievably lucky to do something that I’m really passionate about and I want to play as long as it can if I’m still excited about what I am doing.
“The two go hand in hand because if you’re not excited then you won’t do what you want to do anyway, you won’t play for the teams that you want to play for and you won’t play to the standard that you want to.
“I wouldn’t sit down and set targets. But I also wouldn’t say they are not in the back of my head, quietly.
“I wouldn’t be one to say ‘I have written this down, this down and this down, this is what I want to achieve and this is what I am working for every day’. But they are there in the background.
“The exciting bit is what’s in front of us. Where you can take what you’ve been doing and how to get the best out of yourself. Hopefully there’s loads more of that.”
Farrell’s immediate aim is to help Saracens challenge for silverware on two fronts with the Premiership already under way and their Champions Cup opening against the Bulls on December 9.
Saracens have won three European titles, their most recent coming in 2019, and the competition retains a special place in Farrell’s heart.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Wasn't he the chairman who made a verbal agreement with France for a millionEuros. Someone forgot to get it in writing. Now who's the bonehead.
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
Who is leaving? What deals have collapsed? Harvey Norman choosing not to renew their sponsorship isn’t a sign the sky is falling. That is empty rhetoric. Secondly who on the board wanted him to stay? Twiggy and his wife aren’t on the board. Nor is HM’s wife. He was unanimously voted out. If you have ever been ousted or ousted someone, you would know that normally the person is gone within 24 hours and no-one is asking for anything. Perhaps you are talking about the fact he was offered a position on the board. I personally think the reason they offered him a board position was face saving for him and potentially would be seen as less disruptive. However, I tend to believe in getting rid of the person rather than risking further damage. HM is a very good case in point why that approach is often followed. They just gave him a vehicle to make himself relevant. Not sure why you think there is more to it. Maybe it’s your business experience and acumen or it could be that you have no idea and are just wanting to appear clever by pushing what HM is putting out. Businesses are not tied to HM as much as you seem to believe. They are answerable to their own board and shareholders. On HM’s watch rugby in Australia has fallen to an all time low. HM can complain all he wants about the previous 20 years, but the past year has seen the Wallaby brand driven into the dirt. Based on that most sponsors would be reluctant to continue to pour money into it, regardless of who holds the chair. Harvey Norman has said their decision has nothing to do with HM, but you appear inclined to overlook that small detail. So instead of making stuff up about all these sponsors leaving, when it is only one, at least talk to the facts. Harvey Norman has chosen not to renew there sponsorship. That’s it, so let’s not gild the Lilly. Cadbury for example is locked in for another 2 years. The deal with Stan is hardly a great deal and for the present isn’t going anywhere, but if that situation gets worse it’s not because of HM, but rather the state of the game in Australia. Most people understand that at all levels. There are plenty of people around who can be sponsors for the game and if the game and the brand improves, this situation will naturally sort itself out. It is certainly not all because of one HM, no matter how he would like to spin it. The problem HM was taking the game nowhere and no longer had the support to see it through, which is why he was unanimously voted out. His last year was clear evidence of that. Are there other agendas in play. Yes such is the division in rugby in Australia. But these agendas were enabled, because HM’s agenda was so on the nose to virtually everyone. Will the new chair be able to sort things. I don’t know. Watch this space. Is the more pain in the future, highly likely. Would HM staying on have made an ounce of difference. Don’t know and don’t care. The ship has sailed. Are people asking HM to broker deals for them after ousting him, highly unlikely.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
There is another way to look at it.. Sure the Hamster brought in Cadbury because of a mate he obviously had there but just how many wouldn't go anywhere near the Wallabies whilst the dropkick was still in there. Believe it or not.. McLennan is hardly the Mr Popularity out in the business world he and his acolytes would have you believe. He is seen as an upwardly failing bully with heavy News Ltd ties. With a new look board that can articulate a vision for the Sport it could be the beginning of a whole new world.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So who did the deals and why are they now leaving. RA is desperate so why wouldn't they and why they wanted him to stay on the board.
cs
Roar Guru
The SMH reports today (Saturday) that ol' Hamish actually sought board approval to put forward a referendum on constitutional reform that would "remove voting power from the minor states". What a novel approach to getting the numbers! Does the Guinness Book of Records measure stupidity?
cs
Roar Guru
Your comment is appreciated.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
My experience is ad-free. Go back through my posts for tips.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Brett, are you aware of how derivative lawsuits work in Delaware's Court of Chancery? Now, there are four suits filed, although two have been consolidated, so at this stage there are three afoot. Your blather about 'director's liability insurance' only goes to whose pocket any settlement or judgment may come from, but these lawsuits exist and have some real prospect of succeeding, but no certainty. I am well aware of News Corps' ownership structure, and, yes, Lachlan isn't going to be doing much of anything that Rupert doesn't approve of.
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
It sounds like someone is desperate to be relevant. When someone is ousted, no in Australia and anywhere else people don’t then go cap in hand asking the person to help out. That is not incompetence. It is the opposite. The fact you don’t understand the basic rules of engagement might speak to your own in this instance.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
"The Wallabies are my team" :laughing: Cheers KP
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
If they new it was coming why don't they have the next up lined up.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Agree, for all the failures on the field and maybe even off it against NZR I am not sure they lost a battle over money or SRP structures. Last thing RA need is someone who is too honest and accepts "the best solution" rather than fight their corner and then make a deal.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Fair but with an ego like Hamish he was never going to demote himself. I find the Big Ego lots of Oz's top level people have infront of the Media (I am sure they are wonderful in person) esp in sport. When things are going well its great as it gives everyone following them such confidence, but when it goes wrong the ego becomes the big problem. Was interesting watch Eddie and the English media and fans 2016-2019 and then 2020-2022 and how the biggest fans became the biggest critics because of the ego.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Losing to Italy is a big deal as so few T1 sides lose to them. Since 2013 6 Nations when they had beaten France and Ireland (France finished bottom that year and the Irish coach was sacked) they have beaten Scotland 2015, South Africa 2016, Wales 2022 and Australia 2022. So I think most T1 countries that lose to Italy see it as unacceptable. Crowley didn't have his contract renewed with Italy due to their first loss to Georgia in 2022, having first losses usually don't work out well for coaches. Eddie was sacked after losing to Argentina for the first time at Twickers. If Rennie was a good coach he would be back in one of the big leagues. Not sure Glasgow would have him back.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Thank you NH.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Because some of them have been very good. Panicking about a last-minute narrow loss to Italy and agreeing to give five years and so many millions for Eddie? That wasn’t a good one, in fact it was a debacle.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Hi Brendan actually McLennan was invited to stay on in a Board-level role which might well have included these sorts of deals within it, but he instead walked out.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
In an organisation whose purpose is rugby, getting a win against a Tier 1 nation would have been pretty good.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Not to do deals but to tell the companies that they should stick with RA. Deals is more than just signing contracts. Who has signoff power from Cadbury and are they a mate of Hamish and gave him a mate rate or are they a person that other members of the board have the relationship with. As I have said in the posts above for the last 20 years the person removed was the problem and the new person was going to fix it all but they leave being the problem and the next guy will be the solution. Hamish was brought is due to his connections in Corporate Oz, so the new guy why is he brought in.
Rebel like Sarah
Roar Rookie
There is no way that this was a decision made as a result of McLennan departing. Harvey has used the upheaval in RA to justify his decision, RA knew it was coming! If ever there was a need to explain why McLennan had to go this is it, I would not put it past him to have asked Gerry to delay the announcement to give himself breathing room.