Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia Ltd,[2] previously named Australian Rugby Union Limited and Australian Rugby Football Union Limited, is an Australian company operating the premier rugby union competition in Australia and teams.[3] It has its origins in 1949. It is a member of World Rugby. Rugby Australia has eight member unions, representing each state and the Australian Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. It also manages national representative rugby union teams, including the Wallabies and the Wallaroos.

Rugby Australia Ltd
SportRugby union
Founded1949 (1949), incorporated 1985 (1949 (1949), incorporated 1985)
World Rugby affiliation1949
OR affiliation2000
PatronDavid Hurley[1]
ChairmanHamish McLennan
PresidentJoe Roff
Phil Waugh
Men's coachEddie Jones
Women's coachJay Tregonning
Sevens coach
Websiteaustralia.rugby

History
Main article: History of rugby union in Australia
See also: History of rugby union

Until the end of the 1940s, the New South Wales Rugby Union, as the senior rugby organisation in Australia, was responsible for administration of a national representative rugby team, including all tours. However, the various state unions agreed that the future of rugby in Australia would be better served by having a national administrative body and so the Australian Rugby Football Union was formed at a conference in Sydney in 1945, acting initially in an advisory capacity only.[4] Additional impetus came in 1948 when the International Rugby Football Board invited Australia specifically (rather than a New South Wales representative), to take a seat on the Board.

The constitution of the Australian Rugby Football Union was ratified on 25 November 1949 at the inaugural council meeting of eleven delegates from the state unions of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.[5][6] The ACT Rugby Union gained membership in 1972. The Northern Territory Rugby Union joined in 1978, initially as an associate union before later being granted membership and voting rights.

Logo 2001–2017

In 1985 the Australian Rugby Football Union was incorporated as a company (ACN 002 898 544). In 1997, it was renamed Australian Rugby Union Limited, known as the ARU and again renamed, in 2017, as Rugby Australia Limited.

A founding member, the New South Wales Rugby Union, lost two affiliated regional organisations in 2004 when they affiliated to the ACT Rugby Union which became the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union.[7]

Rugby Australia's major sponsor, since 2004, is Qantas. Qantas has had official naming rights for the 'Qantas Wallabies'.[8][9]

In 2017, the Australian Rugby Union was re-branded Rugby Australia,[10][11] coinciding with relocating to their new premises in Moore Park, Sydney.[12]

In July 2021, Rugby Australia announced plans are underway to construct an Australian Rugby Museum. It will feature items from Wallabies and Wallaroos history along with the provincial history of the sport, dating back to the late 19th century.[13]

Governance

The organisation's governing structures were overhauled in December 2012,[14] following a review authored by the former federal senator and Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib.[15]

Members

Rugby Australia's members (shareholders) include state and territory Rugby unions, together with the owners of the Super Rugby bodies within Australia and the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA).[16]

Members exercise their voting rights at the annual general meeting. Under the new constitution adopted in 2012, the eight existing state and territory member unions, the RUPA and each Super Rugby team owner each provide a delegate who has one allocated vote. A delegate from a member union with more than 50,000 registered players in their region is granted a second vote. Only the New South Wales Rugby Union and Queensland Rugby Union exceed that mark at present, so the total number of members' votes is currently sixteen. There are also a number of affiliated groups that do not have voting rights.[16]

Under this revised governance system, a greater share of influence and control shifted from grass roots team and club representation through the state and territory unions to commercial team owners and the professional players association.

Division
Members		 Votes
ACT ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union 2
NSW  New South Wales Rugby Union 2 3
 Waratahs Rugby 1
QLD Queensland Rugby Union 3
VIC  Rugby Victoria 1 2
 Melbourne Rebels 1
WA Rugby Western Australia 2
SA Rugby Union South Australia 1
TAS Tasmanian Rugby Union 1
NT Northern Territory Rugby Union 1
 Rugby Union Players' Association 1
Affiliates
Australian Barbarians Rugby Club
Australian Junior Rugby Union
Australian Schools Rugby Football Union
Australian Services Rugby Union
Australian Women's Rugby Union
Classic Wallabies

Note: The Australian Society of Rugby Referees, and Australian Universities Rugby Union were also previously non-voting affiliates until 2005 and 2014, respectively. New South Wales Country Rugby Union and Sydney Rugby Union were also non-voting affiliates until April 2017.[17]

Prior to 2012, the voting franchise made no allowance for Super Rugby teams or the Players' Association. There were simply fourteen votes split as follows:[16]

  • NSW Rugby Union: 5
  • Queensland Rugby Union: 3
  • Other state and territory member unions: 1 each

Board and executive

The board must have at least six independent directors, appointed to three-year terms by a two-thirds majority vote of members, in addition to the managing director (chief executive).[18] Up to two further directors may be appointed by ordinary resolution of the board.[18] The board may elect one of the directors as the chair, with the position to be formally reconsidered at least every three years.[19] Executive officers, including the chief executive, are appointed by the board of directors.[20]

List of chairpersons from 1996 onwards:

List of chief executives from 1996 onwards:*


Teams

National teams

  • Wallabies – the national rugby union team.
  • Wallaroos – the national women's rugby union team.

National sevens teams

  • Men's 7s – the national rugby union seven-a-side team.[31]
  • Women's 7s - the national women's seven-a-side rugby union team.

Other teams

Former teams

  • Australia A – the former second-level national rugby union team behind the Wallabies.
  • Under 21s – a former age graded side that has developed players who went on to become Wallabies.
  • Under 19s – a former age graded side that has developed players who went on to become Wallabies.

Hall of Fame

Rugby Australia promotes and selects a Hall of Fame honouring notable former players. Each year two or three of Australia's greats from all eras of the international game are selected by an eight-man committee to be inducted into the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Inductees are drawn from all Test teams starting with the first side in 1899. Consideration is given to a player's on-field career but induction is not based on statistical achievement alone.

To be eligible for inclusion in the Wallaby Hall of Fame, a player must have:

  • Played at least one Test for Australia
  • Been retired from Rugby for at least 10 years
  • Made a major contribution to the game of Rugby
  • Demonstrated outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.

Hall of Fame members: [32]

Controversies

Support for same-sex marriage

In 2017, Rugby Australia management declared itself in favour of same-sex marriage

Israel Folau saga

In 2018, Rugby Australia became involved in a controversy with player and Christian preacher Israel Folau over his social media posts expressing his religious views seeking to save homosexuals from hell when he called on them to "repent of their sins and turn to God". On 17 May 2019, Rugby Australia terminated Folau's player contract. On 6 June 2019, Folau launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission against Rugby Australia and the Waratahs under section 772 of the Fair Work Act, which makes it unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.[39][40] The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) announced on 25 June 2019 that it was donating $100,000 to Folau and was setting up an donation site for his legal costs.[41][42][43][44] The campaign raised over $2 million in two days before being paused by the ACL with Folau's consent.[45] On 19 July 2019, the Fair Work Commission issued a certificate confirming all reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute between Folau and Rugby Australia had been unsuccessful.[46][47] On 1 August 2019, Folau launched legal action in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, against RA and NSW Rugby for unlawful termination on the basis of religion, breach of contract and restraint of trade.[48] Folau sought an apology, compensation, penalties and the right to play rugby union again.[49][50] In November 2019, Folau increased his compensation claim against Rugby Australia to $14 million, claiming that he could have been a Wallabies captain.[51][52]

Folau and Rugby Australia issued a joint statement and apology on 4 December 2019 that stated no harm had been intended by either party and announced that a confidential settlement had been reached.[53][54]

Financial Crisis

Rugby Australia's parlous financial position following the Folau affair became apparent upon the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 when it was forced to lay off three quarters of its employees and seek agreements with players to reduce payments. The CEO, Raelene Castle was sacked and calls continued for a shake-up of the board and management. Rugby Australia’s financial position continued to deteriorate and, in 2023, its directors made failed attempts to sell 20% of Rugby Australia’s competitions, teams and business to private equity investors. The attempts failed because potential investors valued Rugby Australia well below the claims and expectations of the directors and the spending on executive, management and player salaries were unrealistic and unsustainable.[55]

Support for indigenous Voice

Rugby Australia announced its support for the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

See also

References
  1. "Governor-General the Hon David Hurley named patron of Australian Rugby". Rugby Australia. 23 August 2019.
  2. Australian Securities and Investment Commission company names register|url=http://www.asic.gov.au
  3. "RA's ability to deliver broadcast deal can keep unhappy ex-captains at bay". The Guardian. 22 April 2020. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020.
  4. "Australian Rugby Football Union to foster code". The Mercury. Hobart. 6 December 1945. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  5. "Union council to meet". Brisbane Telegraph. 23 November 1949. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  6. "British Rugby Union Tour". Brisbane Telegraph. 28 November 1949. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  7. "Historic change for South Coast rugby union". Batemans Bay Post. 10 November 2004. Archived from the original on 26 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  8. "Sports partnerships - Rugby Australia". Qantas.
  9. "'Qantas Wallabies". Rugby Australia.
  10. "Australian rugby kicks off new era as Rugby Australia" (Press release). Queensland Reds. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  11. "Massive deal to bring annual rugby Tests to Melbourne". The Australian. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  12. "Rugby Australia building an Australian-first high performance and education super centre" (Press release). Rugby Australia. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  13. "Rugby Australia announces plans for Australian Rugby Museum". 6 July 2021.
  14. ARU 2015, p. 52.
  15. Arbib, Mark (2012). "Strengthening the Governance of Australian Rugby" (PDF). Australian Rugby. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  16. "ARU takes historic step after members vote to adopt constitutional change". Australian Rugby. 10 December 2012. Archived from the original on 22 August 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  17. Papworth, Brett (12 April 2017). "Let's stop pretending it's a business when it isn't run like one". Rugby News. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  18. Constitution 2012, p. 14.
  19. Constitution 2012, p. 21.
  20. Constitution 2012, p. 27.
  21. Robinson, Georgina (16 May 2020). "'Fortune favours the brave': Hamish McLennan bullish on rugby's future". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 16 May 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  22. "Rugby Australia appoints Hamish McLennan as new chairman". The Guardian. 15 May 2020. Archived from the original on 15 May 2020.
  23. "Cameron Clyne replaced by Paul McLean as Rugby Australia chairman in advance of next month's AGM". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020.
  24. "McGrath appointed ARU chairman". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 April 2007. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016.
  25. "Graham appointed ARU Chairman". ESPN. 9 December 2005.
  26. "Eddie Jones named as Australia's next coach". IOL. 1 June 2001. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  27. "Australian Rugby Union Chairman Clarke Resigns". Sportcal (Press release). 1 June 2001. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020.
  28. "Change in Australian leadership". The Irish Times. 23 September 1998. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020.
  29. Decent, Tom. "'He's rugby to the core': Marinos named new Rugby Australia CEO". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021.
  30. "Rugby Australia names Rob Clarke as interim chief executive to replace Raelene Castle". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 6 May 2020.
  31. Australian Rugby Union. "Australian Sevens Rugby". Sevens Rugby website. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  32. "Michael Lynagh inducted into Wallaby Hall of Fame". rugby.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  33. "Wallabies full-back Israel Folau wins John Eales Medal for second successive year". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 30 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  34. "David Pocock wins 2018 John Eales Medal in a landslide". The Sydney Morning Herald. 19 October 2018. Archived from the original on 22 October 2018. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  35. "Australian Rugby welcomes three Wallaby greats into Hall of Fame". rugby.com.au. 24 October 2014. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  36. Dunger, Ellen (31 October 2017). "Greg Cornelsen received the sport's highest honour last week". The Northern Daily Leader. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  37. "The 2016 John Eales Medal". Australian Rugby. 27 October 2016. Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
  38. "George Gregan and Stephen Larkham inducted into Wallaby Hall of Fame". Classic Wallabies. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020.
  39. Mark, David. "Israel Folau to take Rugby Australia to Federal Court over contract termination". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  40. Robinson, Georgina. "Folau takes fight against Rugby Australia to Fair Work Commission". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  41. Martyn Iles (25 June 2019). "ACL Donates $100,000 to Israel Folau, Launches Alternative Fundraising Site". Australian Christian Lobby. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  42. "Israel Folau: Australian Christian lobby hosts new fundraising effort". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  43. Robinson, Georgina (25 June 2019). "Israel Folau crowd-sourcing to relaunch with $100,000 from Australian Christian Lobby". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  44. "Australian Christian Lobby launches second Israel Folau crowdfunding campaign with $100,000 donation". Nine News. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  45. "'Pause button' hit after Folau's Christian Lobby fund passes $2m mark". Sydney Morning Herald. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  46. Mark, David. "Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now?". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  47. Maiden, Samantha. "Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia". The New Daily. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  48. "Isileli "Israel" Folau v Rugby Australia Limited & Anor - Form 3 - Claim under the Fair Work Act alleging unlawful termination of employment" (PDF). Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Commonwealth of Australia. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  49. Mark, David (1 August 2019). "Israel Folau launches court proceedings against Rugby Australia, NSW Waratahs over unfair dismissal claim". ABC News}.
  50. "Israel Folau launches legal action against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs". News Ltd. 1 August 2019.
  51. "Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia". news.com. 27 November 2019. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  52. "Sacked rugby player Folau ups compensation demand". BBC News. 27 November 2019.
  53. "Joint statement by Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and Israel Folau". australia.rugby. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  54. "Sacked rugby player Folau settles anti-gay case". 4 December 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  55. Code Sport, 22/09/2023, Rugby union’s broadcast rights value tumbles in eyes of private equity firms

Sources

Archives

Member webpages
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