Former Wallaby Jeff Miller has stepped down as Queensland Rugby Union Chairman in a move that ends four decades of devoted service to the code.
Miller, 59, has decided to step down from the QRU Board to focus on a new job in his professional career.
It will be a major change to have Miller simply enjoying the game from the grandstands. No modern figure in Queensland rugby has contributed under as many formal hats as Miller.
Since his 1982 debut for Queensland as a non-stop openside flanker, under a full head of wavy red hair, “Ginge” has been a fixture around Ballymore.
He captained the state during a 69-game career which was his springboard to playing 26 Tests. Those included his starts against Samoa, Wales and Ireland on the Wallabies’ glory run to the 1991 Rugby World Cup triumph.
After serving as the Australian Rugby Union’s High-Performance Manager and Wallabies assistant coach for the 1999 World Cup victory between 1998-2001, Miller found his way home to Queensland. He was the QRU’s Chief Executive between 2001-03 before jumping the desk to coach the Reds between 2004-06. His return as QRU President (2015-18) flowed into the role of Chairman (2018-22).
“I feel really proud of where Queensland Rugby now sits compared to where it was a few years ago,” Miller said.
“Four years ago, we were still working through financial issues and struggles.
“Getting stability at Board level and in the coaching staff with Brad Thorn has made a major difference. To see more than 40,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium last year for the Super Rugby AU final was a wonderful mark of that rise and the terrific job Brad is doing.
“To finally have the go-ahead for the Ballymore redevelopment is such an exciting part of the future and what that precinct can become with the 2032 Olympics.
“There’s been a lot time spent over my last six years reconnecting the relationships between the QRU and the clubs. To now be getting a contribution for club rugby from the broadcast agreement is terrific.
“I felt privileged to play the game and I’m happy with what I’ve been able to give back.”
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Miller has taken on a new national job as Chief Growth Officer with the Kooyong Group in medical finance.
His zeal for Queensland success in Super Rugby Pacific won’t change, just his seat in the house.
“I’ll just go and take a seat in the grandstand and not be so emotionally invested although that’s hard for me,” Miller said with a smile.
