How’s that been going? Before Jones’ return to the fold,television audiences for rugby matches had been growing and Rugby Australia managed to return to a surplus inthe 2022 annual report,but his record of losses and the World Cup result jeopardises such gains.
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So,who in the Rugby Australia hierarchy is to pay the penalty for this pathetic rout? Jones has copped the flak so far. Phil Waugh,Rugby Australia’s CEO,only came on board in June so evades the blame. That leaves McLennan.
Few people are willing to openly criticise the Rugby Australia chairman,but many are making unkind remarks about his role in the debacle behind his back. The challenge confronting McLennan after this week is what,if any,sponsors would wish to be associated with the Wallabies in their current guise? Jones was his brainwave,and it was his brief to rescue rugby from the administration-induced doldrums with a winning team that would attract crowds,coverage and television ratings.
Despite his efforts,the World Cup debacle exposes the rot that has returned. McLennan has been unable to fix Rugby Australia and for the good of the game should consider joining Jones on the way out.