Former Wallabies star Phil Waugh named new Rugby Australia chief executive

The 43-year-old was the favourite to replace Andy Marinos, who stepped down from the position last month.

Waugh represented Australia in 79 Tests between 2000 and 2009 and won the the John Eales Medal in 2003 when the Wallabies finished as the runners-up to England at the Rugby World Cup.

After his retirement in 2011, Waugh was a non-executive director on the RA board since 2018 while working in the banking sector.

"Being appointed as Rugby Australia's CEO is an absolute honour and privilege," he said via a press 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 said the governing body's board backed the decision to appoint Waugh and is 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."