Former Wallabies skippers praise \"open-minded\" new board members after Monday meeting

Mon, Apr 27, 2020, 10:28 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
NicK Farr-Jones is one of the former Wallabies skippers who met with Peter Wiggs on Monday. Photo: Getty Images
NicK Farr-Jones is one of the former Wallabies skippers who met with Peter Wiggs on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

A group of former Wallabies captains agitating for change in Australian rugby have praised a new board trio for their "open minds" after a meeting on Monday.

Ten former Test skippers last week sent a letter to Rugby Australia calling for the leadership to stand aside and interim executive chairman Paul McLean said they could have an audience with the board at their earliest convenience.

Little over a day after that letter was sent to Rugby Australia, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle resigned but McLean has stressed in the days since that the letter was not the catalyst for that decision.

While they did not detail any specific plans in that letter, the group has publicly said part of its hopes are for an independent Australian Rugby Review Board, which would involve representatives from different parts of the game come together.

Two members of the captains' group, Nick Farr-Jones and Phil Kearns, and RUPA CEO Justin Harrison met with new Rugby Australia director Peter Wiggs on Monday what they described in a statement as a "deep discussion" on a number of topics.

Phil Kearns was one of two former skippers who met with Rugby Australia director Peter Wiggs on Monday. Photo: Getty IMagesFarr-Jones, who is believed to be the driving force behind sending the letter last week, spoke positively about Wiggs and his fellow recent board additions former Wallaby Daniel Herbert and Virgin Blue co-founder Brett Godfrey.

“On behalf of our group of Wallaby captains I’d like to thank Rugby Australia for the opportunity to meet and present our thoughts on the future of Australian rugby,” Farr-Jones said.

“It seems Peter, along with Dan Herbert and Brett Godfrey, has brought a much-needed open mind to the board of Rugby Australia and we are encouraged by this approach.”

"Additionally, the captains acknowledge the difficult circumstances in which acting chairman Paul McLean is working at this point."

“It was always hoped last week’s letter, and our plans communicated to Rugby Australia and the member unions, would enhance the willingness to overhaul  the game. It’s about structural and governance change."

“As Wallaby captains we will work closely with Rugby Australia, RUPA and the willing member unions in a coalition for change.”

Harrison, who as the RUPA CEO has been vocal about the need for transformation in the game, said he hoped this relationship could continue.

“This process of change needs to be based on transparency and collaboration and the players are looking forward to participating in the transformation that the game requires.”

The Rugby Australia board also spoke on Monday to discuss plans for working towards a replacement for Castle and a timeline for McLean to step down from his interim position.

This article does not necessary reflect the views of Rugby Australia or its state and member unions.

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