Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos has resigned four months out from the World Cup in France to “pursue new opportunities”.
The 50-year-old informed RA staff of the decision on Monday. He will remain in the position until June.
“I cannot overstate the commitment and incredible work ethic of the people around me at RA, and the roles they have played in helping drive some critical structural changes for Rugby in this country,” Marinos said in a statement.
“The foundations have been established and the business is now well-prepared to test the market for private equity investment, making it the right time for me to move on.”
Marinos, who represented Wales in eight Tests during his playing career, was appointed as RA chief executive in February 2021 following Raelene Castle’s departure the previous year. He previously served as chief executive of SANZAAR, rugby’s peak administrative body in the southern hemisphere.
Former Wallabies captain Phil Waugh is reportedly one of the leading candidates to take over the position, while ex-NRL boss Todd Greenberg is also reportedly in contention.
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Last week, RA announced a surplus of $8.2 million, the first surplus in four years, after suffering a $27.1 million deficit just two years ago.
RA chair Hamish McLennan praised Marinos for getting the organisation to a place of financial stability in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We asked Andy to draw upon his impressive career experience and extensive global relationships to re-establish Rugby as a leading code in Australia — he has delivered on this and been fundamental in the turnaround of the business,” McLennan said in a statement.
“Andy will leave RA having delivered several key projects, including the finalisation of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, locking in the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, planning for a new contracting model for the professional game, implementation of strategy to professionalise Women’s XVs Rugby, and a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for our professional men’s and women’s players.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andy for his contribution to RA. We wish him well with his future endeavours.”
