Rugby Australia president Hamish McLennan was sacked on Sunday evening as the state union continued to fight over major centralization plans for the sport.
McLennan refused demands from six state unions to resign by 5 p.m. Sunday, and was later voted out of office at a special general meeting.
The businessman will be replaced immediately by former Wallaby Dan Herbert, while McLennan has decided to step down from the board altogether rather than remain as a director.
The plan follows Rugby Australia’s plan in the wake of the World Cup disaster to centralize the structure of the sport, create a unified, high-performance program and effectively take on the commercial functions of the Super Rugby franchise.
NSW Rugby and Rugby Victoria supported the plan, as did Western Force owners Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest.
However, there was widespread criticism of the plan and of McLennan and his judgment. Chief among the criticisms of McLennan was his ‘captain selection’ of Eddie Jones to replace Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach just months before the 2023 World Cup.
Herbert, the new head of rugby Australia, was a 67-cap Wallaby player who played a key role in Australia’s 1999 Rugby World Cup triumph and has earned a reputation as one of the world’s best outside centres.
After retirement, Herbert went on to play for the Queensland Reds and Queensland Rugby Union before taking a commercial role at sportswear brand Skins, and is currently CEO of property services company SSKB. He has been on the Rugby Australia Board for three years.
An official statement from the Board read: “The Board feels Herbert’s experience is ideally suited to lead the development of the game from entry level to elite level across women’s and men’s rugby. He is also well placed to lead the Board’s continued and unwavering commitment to Rugby Australia’s strategy to align the game nationally.”
Herbert said in a statement: “It has never been more important for the Rugby Australia Board of Directors, working with our member associations, to work together to implement the reforms absolutely necessary for a aligned, high-performance system and deliver on the commitments we have made. , including investments in communities and women’s rugby.
“Australia is set to host the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic Games. The reforms currently underway will help strengthen the competitiveness of our national team and build deeper connections with the rugby community and fans around the world.”
“We know that our various member associations do not oppose Rugby Australia’s centralisation proposals and remain committed to supporting high performance coordination.”
McLennan received damning letters of no confidence from unions in Queensland, the ACT, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory on Friday.
“We do not believe Mr McLennan acted in the best interests of our game. “We no longer have any confidence or belief in his leadership or in the direction he is taking rugby in Australia.
“We also believe that Mr McLennan acted outside his role as a director and exerted undue influence over the operations and management of Rugby Australia.
“This is not the best-practice governance we expect from the leaders of our games.”
It added: “This call is not about opposing the proposed centralisation of Rugby Australia. We are committed to supporting high-performance alignment.
“This is instead a matter of deep concern about Mr McLennan’s performance as chairman and the damage his performance has caused to the game.”
