Rugby Australia has confirmed Phil Waugh has been appointed as CEO.
Waugh was widely tipped to take on the position after Andy Marinos announced his departure last month.
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The 43-year-old played 79 Tests for the Wallabies, making his debut in 2000, winning the John Eales Medal in 2003 as he helped Australia to the World Cup Final.
After retiring in 2011, Waugh has served as a non-executive director on the RA board since 2018 while working in the banking sector for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and the NAB.
He is the first former Wallaby to step into the position, eager to build ahead of the 'Golden Decade.'
"Being appointed as Rugby Australia’s CEO is an absolute honour and privilege,” said Waugh in a statement.
“Above all, the role comes with enormous responsibility to ensure our great game thrives throughout communities across Australia.
“There is definitely a buzz around the game regarding our upcoming Golden Decade, and I intend to work with the team at RA and our many stakeholders to maximise this period and secure financial sustainability. Our priority will be to develop the game from the grassroots to the elite level – both in Australia, and with our partners across the Pacific.
"I started Rugby as a four year-old at the Narrabeen Tigers on Sydney’s northern beaches and my involvement with the game stretches almost four decades. I was lucky to represent my state and my country throughout my career, however I know that Rugby starts and ends in our communities, at our local rugby clubs - to drive the game forward, we must place more emphasis than ever before on engaging and connecting with all areas of our broader Rugby community.
“Having put my heart and soul into the game on the field in my playing days, I intend to put the same level of passion and commitment into the game as Rugby Australia CEO.”
RA Chairman Hamish McLennan and the board backed the deicison, confident he is the right person to lead the organisation into the future.
"The Rugby Australia Board unanimously endorsed Phil’s selection as the new CEO of Rugby Australia,” said McLennan.
“’Waughy’ has proven himself on and off the field as a true believer in the potential of where the global game of Rugby can take you.
“Phil has exacting standards which will deliver us improved pathways and success as we prepare for the Golden Decade of Rugby ahead for our men, women, boys and girls.
“We are on a mission and Phil will make sure we get there.”
