UPDATE: The majority of Australia's state unions have declared their support for chairman Paul McLean and the Rugby Australia board after a day of much change in the organisation.
The statement comes after Peter Wiggs' decision to resign from the board after just over a month as a director and Rugby Australia's announcement of the appointment of Rob Clarke as interim CEO.
The statement, on behalf of the ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union, QRU, Rugby Victoria, RugbyWA, Rugby SA and Rugby Tas, expressed support for the board's recent run of decisions.
NSW Rugby is the only major state not to sign the statement, that was released on Wednesday night.
“As the Chairs of Australian Rugby’s provincial representative bodies and as constitutional members of Rugby Australia (RA), we are fully supportive of the RA Board’s ongoing work around reform and renewal, which has been underway for a number of months," it read.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created its own set of extra challenges during this process, RA Chairman Paul McLean has our complete support to continue this process of transition.
“Australian rugby’s provincial representatives do not support individuals or groups designating appointments. We are supportive of the process of re-structure with appropriate consultation.
“We feel it is vitally important for all rugby’s stakeholders to maintain a calm focus, and to give Paul the support and time he and the Board require, as we collectively navigate through this transitional period.
“In times where Australian rugby has been strong, it has succeeded by jointly understanding the needs of its members and has created and delivered strategies on and off the field to sustain and grow the code.
“This common philosophy and approach is required now, more than ever, given the challenges facing the code and all Australians, during this global health crisis.
“We place our trust in Paul and his RA Board to continue to consult with his members in the knowledge that there are highly skilled individuals on the RA Board, who each possess the experience and acumen that will allow Australian Rugby to move forward as we all plan for a gradual return to community and elite rugby in Australia in the weeks and months to come.”
Wiggs, who had been widely expected to take over as Rugby Australia chairman by the mid-point of 2020, tendered his resignation on Wednesday after a turbulent two days within the administration.
The Supercars chairman and founder of Archer Capital joined the board little over a month ago, elected at the March 30 Annual General Meeting along with Virgin Blue founder Brett Godfrey and former Wallaby Dan Herbert.
Indeed, until early this week, it had appeared almost certain that Wiggs would step up as chairman when current executive chair Paul McLean acted on his plans to stand down.
Wiggs' decision to walk away reportedly after a divisive board meeting on Monday night in which he pushed for AOC chief executive Matt Carroll to be immediately appointed Rugby Australia CEO.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, McLean confirmed Wiggs' departure from the board.
“Peter has decided to step down from the board and I understand his reasons," he said.
“He has undertaken some very important work and has made a valuable contribution to the organisation, in a very short time, and we are thankful for his contribution.
“The immediate priority of the board is to install a replacement for Peter, and an interim Chief Executive. I will provide an update on those matters at the appropriate time."
Former NewsCorp executive Hamish McLennan has been confirmed as the next likely addition to the board, something confirmed by Brumbies chairman Matthew Nobbs last week.
McLennan was initially earmarked to take over from McLean when he stood down but Wiggs' resignation could open the door for him to join the board in its current state.
This latest development comes almost three weeks after Raelene Castle's resignation as CEO after two-and-a-half years in the job.
Castle's departure was similarly rapid and the timing of her resignation decision surprised many in the rugby community.
The timeline for appointing a new director is not entirely clear.
Three-quarters of Rugby Australia's administration staff remains stood down until June 30 while the entire executive team has taken a 30 per cent pay cut and the remainder of staff are working on reduced hours and pay.
NSW Rugby has been contacted for comment.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of Rugby Australia or its member unions.
