It’ s not the final whistle

Rugby’s boss remains bullish despite loss of Qantas sponsorship cash

DEFIANT rugby boss Hamish McLennan has declared the loss of the $5m sponsorship deal with Qantas will not sink the financially stricken code.

Some took news of the airline’s withdrawal from the Wallabies after 30 years as the final nail in the coffin for a game that has no broadcast deal beyond this year, no certainty of a Super Rugby competition structure, and major concerns around viability.

But McLenn an, who has already fielded calls from companies interested in sponsoring the Wallabies once Qantas walks away at the end of the year, remains bullish he can make the code competitive oncemore.

“This doesn’t change our plan because we will replace

Qantas, so the plan we’re executing remains intact,” McLennan said.

“It’s another challenge that will add to the list, but we will absolutely get through this.

“Qantas have been a great partner; like us they’re going through difficult times.

“The Wallabies sponsorship is one of the most prestigious in Australian sport, and I’ve had almost immediate inbound inquiry about replacing Qantas, from major blue chip Australian companies.

“For any company that is interested in premium sport, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

McLennan said the loss of the Qantas sponsorship would not result in further job losses at the besieged organisation.

Asked if he expected to land another deal equal to the $5m lost, McLennan replied: “Yes, it’s high profile and very valuable.

“It’s taken COVID to cause this, and these opportunities don’ t come along that often.

“World sport has been turned on its ear, this is not just happening to us, but for those who have resources there are some great opportunities .”

The Wallabies are not the only ones to feel the pinch.

The world’s richest union, England’s Rugby Football Union, is now applying for a government bailout amid losses of hundreds of millions of dollars through lost games and crowds.

Meanwhile, US insurance giant AIG announced earlier this year they would not renew their sponsorship of the All Blacks when their contract expires at the end of 2021.