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Kiwi Raelene Castle’s position as CEO of Rugby Australia hangs in the balance after 11 former Wallabies captains signed a letter calling for a change of leadership in the cash-strapped organization.
The Australian The letter reports that Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan, Michael Lynagh, Simon Poidevin, Phil Kearns, Rod McCall, Jason Little, Nathan Sharpe, Stirling Mortlock, George Smith and Stephen Moore have signed the letter.
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George Gregan is one of 11 former captains who signed the letter.
Acting Rugby Australia President Paul McLean has seen the letter, according to the report.
The letter says, “As Wallaby captains, we feel privileged to have represented our country and guided our respective teams into battle, facing difficult situations together.”
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“We lost some but we gained many.”
Win or lose, every time we wear the gold jersey we feel driven by the desire to earn the respect of Australian fans across the country and around the world. We wanted them to be proud of Australian rugby and what Australian rugby represented.
“In recent times, the Australian game has lost its way. It is a defeat inflicted not by COVID-19, or an enemy on the field, but by poor administration and leadership for several years.”
“Our rural clubs, youth clubs, sub-districts and community clubs have been disappointed and we firmly believe that a transformation is needed throughout the game in this country. There is no time to lose.”
MARK METCALFE / GETTY IMAGES
Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle’s time at work seems to be running out.
“We speak as one voice when we say that Australian rugby needs a new vision, leadership and a plan for the future. That plan must include, as a priority, urgent steps to create a much-needed commercial and sustainable rugby business.
“To be sure, there are now good people with good ideas and we must include them in the renovation. There has also been considerable work in the background to quickly establish a list of urgent initiatives and actions.
“Several highly experienced rugby and business leaders are ready to be mentors and leaders.”
Castle’s work has been rumored for weeks to be at stake with Rugby Australia fighting fires on many fronts even before the coronavirus crisis.
The Wallabies have dropped to a world ranking of No. 7 and interest in the game has been falling for years in Australia, while the expensive payment to Israel Folau hit the game’s finances hard.
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Former No. 10 Michael Lynagh is one of the Wallabies legends who want a change at the top.
The group of former captains said Castle and the current administration had to step aside to let new leaders in.
“Our youth deserves to be inspired,” said the letter. “They need to see a path and feel a connection to the Wallaby jersey.”
“With this in mind, we ask the current administration to heed our call and step aside to allow the game to transform so that we emerge from this pandemic with a renewed sense of unity and purpose.”
“There is only one question that needs to be answered at the club level, at the state level and at the national level: Is this decision the best thing for Australian rugby?”
