The recommendations arising from the Wallabies’ season review were so heavy with jargon that anyone who made it down to item No. 23 on the list deserves a medal.

Largely, the review churned out a collection of phrases and themes that have been present for a decade at least, although chief executive Phil Waugh on Thursday ruled out one potential structural change that could impact the Wallabies’ performance.

“To be really clear there have been no conversations about slashing the number of [Super Rugby] teams to three, at the moment,” he said.

That was an interesting detail, but in terms of the review itself, its primary worth was highlighting the rotting relationship between the Wallabies’ dressing room and the Rugby Australia board.

Even in the carefully coded language of the review, it was clear that the players essentially think the board are a bunch of muppets – although there were whispers this was the case even before Rugby Australia ditched the well-liked Dave Rennie for Eddie Jones.

The level of trust between the Wallabies and the board is less than zero, and it’s not likely to be repaired soon.

New Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt with Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh in January.Credit: Brook Mitchell

There should be mutual respect, of course, but the board will only earn that by rectifying the multiple governance failures referred to in the review, and get back to competently running the sport.

This obvious lack of trust is like a slow-working poison if players do not believe those in charge are capable of reviving the game, and the implications of that are ominous.

QOSHE - Rugby Australia has lost the Wallabies dressing room, but there is hope - Paul Cully
menu_open
Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close
Aa Aa Aa
- A +

Rugby Australia has lost the Wallabies dressing room, but there is hope

6 30
09.03.2024

The recommendations arising from the Wallabies’ season review were so heavy with jargon that anyone who made it down to item No. 23 on the list deserves a medal.

Largely, the review churned out a collection of phrases and themes that have been present for a decade at least, although chief executive Phil Waugh on Thursday ruled out one potential structural change that could impact the Wallabies’........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


Get it on Google Play