Nathan Sharpe appointed as new Rugby Australia President, two new board members confirmed

Wed, Apr 16, 2025, 4:08 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
On this day, 19 years ago in 2005, a few months out from the Force's first Super Rugby season, Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe was named the Club's inaugural captain.

Wallabies great and two-time John Eales Medalist Nathan Sharpe has been named as the new Rugby Australian President.

On top of this, Kathleen Bozanic and Louise Higgins have been named as non-executive Board Directors.

Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

Sharpe will take over the Presidency from Joe Roff after the Brumbies' great concluded his two-year term at RA's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.

The lock was the foundation captain for the Western Force, featuring in 162 games for the club and the Queensland Reds.

Sharpe debuted for the Wallabies in 2002 and played 116 Tests, named Australia's best player in 2007 and 2012.

Post-career, Sharpe currently serves as a Director at Talisman whilst also owning and operating an F45 gym in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Bozanic and Higgins replace Pip Marlow, who stepped down at the end of 2024.

Bozanic is the Chief Financial Officer and previously served as a Non-Executive Director, of IGO Ltd, whilst serving on the Rugby WA Board.

As for Higgins, the Executive General Manager Strategy, Transformation and Data at ANZ has also been the Managing Director of Suncorp Intergration.

"On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I would like to welcome Nathan, Kath and Lou to the Board following today's Annual General Meeting," RA Chair Dan Herbert said in a statement.

"All three were put forward after a thorough nominations process and have received the overwhelming support of Australian Rugby's stakeholders.

"I look forward to their positive contributions to the RA Board as Australian Rugby enters a generational runway of major events and opportunities.

"I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Joe Roff and Pip Marlow, who have concluded their terms as RA's President and non-executive Board Director respectively. Both have helped position the game for future success and I am grateful for their contributions."

Share
Rock'n'roll lineouts helping Wallabies prepare for loud-mouthed Lions
‘Best place in the world’: McDermott weighs in on flyhalf battle as Reds skipper eager for Suncorp cauldron
Kefu backs Wallabies underdogs, taking AUNZ learnings for First Nations Pasifika clash
The Wallaroos and Australia Cricket team trade tips ahead of their respective World Cup campaigns. Photo: Getty Images
Hit for Six: Wallaroos, Australia Cricket Team rally behind respective World Cup campaigns