ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

'The game is bigger than any one individual' - Rugby Australia CEO on resignation

BY Grant Constable  ·  Thursday Apr 23, 2020

Embattled Rugby Australia chief executive officer Raelene Castle has resigned after being told she had lost the support of the board. Castle brought to an end her tumultuous 2-1/2 year reign today, handing in her resignation to RA chairman Paul McLean.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a statement provided to the ABC, Castle said she was told RA needed “clear air”.

“I love rugby on every level and I will always love the code and the people I have had the honour of working with since I took this role.

“I made it clear to the board that I would stand up and take the flak and do everything possible to serve everyone’s best interests,” Castle said.

“In the last couple of hours, it has been made clear to me that the board believes my no longer being CEO would help give them the clear air they believe they need. The game is bigger than any one individual – so this evening I told the chair that I would resign from the role.

“I will do whatever is needed to ensure an orderly handover. I wish the code and everyone who loves rugby nothing but the best and I would like to thank the people I work with and the broader rugby community for their enormous support.”

Castle’s tenure came under growing pressure this week when a group of 10 former Wallabies led by World Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones signed a letter calling for a change in RA’s administration.

ADVERTISEMENT

Castle met with Super Rugby chief executives on Thursday morning to plot their way through the coronavirus and gave no hint she believed her time in the role was up.

She was however a late withdrawal from a meeting with the state chairmen to go over RA’s 2019 balance sheet and financial position.

A tumultuous final year in charge included a costly legal battle following the sacking of superstar Israel Folau, a poor World Cup performance and failure to reach agreement for a broadcast deal.

Castle completed an interview with ABC TV prior to her resignation and said then that she believed David Rennie would honour his contract to coach the Wallabies regardless of her situation.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Ultimately he knows that things can change and I know he has a desperate desire to coach the Wallabies. He’s done a lot of work and he’s excited about the young talent coming through,” she said.

“He will come here regardless of where I sit.”

Rugby Australia has yet to comment.

RELATED VIDEO:

Video Spacer

Related Articles

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Saracens cancel out Russell-less Bath as...

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Debate rages on after Maro Itoje sent to...

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Chiefs run away with victory over Waratahs...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 11 HOURS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All