Interim chief has his fans

INTERIM CEO Rob Clarke is making big inroads at Rugby Australia after less than a week in the job, earning praise from Super Rugby clubs.

Brought in with RA and the game in crisis, Clarke has moved swiftly to fill a troubling vacuum following predecessor Raelene Castle’s resignation two weeks ago, which led to a failed power play by would-be chairman Peter Wiggs before he quit.

The upheaval left a remodelled domestic competition to replace Super Rugby during the coronavirus pandemic among many tasks needing swift attention. Melbourne Rebels boss Baden Stephenson said that Clarke had seized control and given the Super Rugby clubs confidence.

A previous CEO of the Rebels and Brumbies who also had two stints as RA’s chief operating officer, Clarke was able to hit the ground running. As well as his domestic rugby experience, Clarke has ties to NZ Rugby, has a personal relationship with decision-makers at rugby’s estranged broadcaster Fox Sports and has already had meetings with SANZAAR and World Rugby.

He briefed all of the Super Rugby heads last Thursday, providing timelines for a return to play on July 3. All players are set to return to training by May 18.

“That gave everyone a bit of comfort,” Stephenson said.

“Rob’s an experienced guy and he’s a relational leader and he will provide some good stability and decision-making and he’s been clear on what he needs to get done.”

Stephenson said little was being achieved in the two weeks between Castle and Clarke. “There wasn’t a lot of clarity and no one could make decisions so there was a bit of frustration building,” he said.