Former Canterbury Bulldgos CEO Raelene Castle is expected to be announced as Rugby Australia CEO this week.
Castle, who would become the first female to run an Australian football code, had long been speculated as one of the favourites for the top job, after Bill Pulver's resignation in August.
Reports emerged on Monday night that Castle had been given the tick ahead of former Wallabies captain Phil Kearns, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Castle has a long history of sports administration, a former Netball NZ CEO before her stint with the NRL's Bulldogs, and was recently appointed to be a part of a review into New Zealand's poor Rugby League World Cup.
The Wagga-born Kiwi resigned from the Bulldogs post in May, after reportedly falling out with chairman Ray Dib.
The move would be a watershed moment for rugby, Castle a move away from the 'boys' club' perceptoin that has plagued rugby.
Rugby Australia has offered no confirmation of the move, but an appointment was expected to be ratified before Christmas, with the final board meeting of the year on December 18.
