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Former Wallaby confirmed as new Rugby Australia boss
By AAP
Former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh has been confirmed as the new chief executive of Rugby Australia.
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The 79-Test veteran replaces Andy Marinos, who quit the post last month and finishes up next week.
Having retired in 2011, Waugh has served as a non-executive director on the RA board since 2018 while working in the banking sector.
The 43-year-old played in two Rugby World Cups, in 2003 and 2007, and captained the side in 2006.
He will head the organisation leading into this year’s tournament in France, which starts in September.
His appointment comes after another former Australian Test star, Joe Roff, became RA president last month.
I would hope that Phil has been appointed for his expertise in Business not his experience as a Wallaby. Being a banker does not give you significant experience in the business world. It helps, but it is not a panacea that gifts you good business sense. I will wait to see if Phil has the qualities that are needed to bring the ARU into the professional world of running a successful business and making a profit as well as improving rugby at the grass roots level. IMO rugby in Australia has to have a big overhaul from the club level to the Wallabies. The inequity between playing rugby and the expense that it incurs at the club level to playing league is widening each and every year. That is the biggest factor involved with the changing of the population that plays rugby, The Islander infusion is most welcome but they are not of the affluent populous that played in the 60s 70s and 80s. Rugby in Australia needs a revamp to be totally inclusive of each and all, regardless of their ability to afford to play the game. That to me is the challenge that awaits Phil.
Couldn't agree more.
And, to your point on League, I think it should be a case of trying to mirror what league have done with their junior program and not do the opposite out of sheer bloody mindedness! It's ok to admit the other guy did a better job and take lessons from their success. It happens in business and life all the time. Then, once we've pilfered their ideas we can build our own players and not have to reach across the divide and knick theirs.