Rugby Australia has axed more than 40 per cent of staff, citing financial woes, including the COVID-19 crisis, in a successful bid to stave off insolvency.
Key points:
- Rugby union’s governing body has struggled financially
- It has also been accused of mismanagement by former Wallabies captains
- Interim boss Rob Clarke says his job is to “secure the future of the game”
Interim Rugby Australia CEO Rob Clarke told 7.30 staff cuts at the national governing body for rugby union were expected to be concluded today by telephone.
“We will be reducing our full-time headcount by 47 people,” he said.
“We will be reducing our contractors and casuals by over 30 people and taking $5.5 million out of the annual salary bill of Rugby Australia.
“I take it very seriously because it’s impacting people’s lives and family’s lives. So, it’s something that we must do very responsibly, but I did think it was necessary, and the board supported that.”
Mr Clarke still thinks rugby union in Australia still has a bright futu