Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has revealed that the Wallabies’ dismal World Cup campaign included an “unapproved” overspend of $2.6 million (R32.2 million) on staff travel and player benefits.
The stunning revelation came on the same day that Rugby Australia released a document of 23 recommendations following a review into a horrible 2023 for the Wallabies.
Australia won just two Tests in 2023 under Eddie Jones – against Georgia and Portugal – and were hoofed out at the World Cup pool stages for the first time, despite investing heavily to allow Jones to bring in coaching staff on short-term deals.
“The over-investment that was unapproved was $2.6 million, which covered three main elements: team costs, staff travel and player benefits,” RA chief executive and former Wallabies flank Waugh told reporters in Sydney.
“A lot of that came through post-World Cup. When I talk through unique circumstances and unique timing, going into a World Cup you want to set the team up for success. The reality is that 86 per cent of our revenue comes through the men’s XVs program for Rugby Australia. A successful World Cup campaign is critical to that.
“I guess there was lenience given in the hope we would succeed at the World Cup and make it deep into the tournament. Clearly that didn’t happen. The circumstances were quite unique.”
Jones ended up resigning in October, released just 10 months into his five-year contract with RA, to take up a role with Japan, while team manager Chris Webb and chairman Hamish McLennan also left the organisation.
Waugh was probed as to how the overspend was allowed to happen and whether Webb was responsible.
“Delegation of authority is important. Clearly there were breaches in that area and we’ve made personnel changes on the back of some of those breaches,” Waugh said.
“I’m not going to point the finger at one individual. I think it was a cultural deficiency that we need to rectify.”
News of the overspend is unlikely to go down well with Australia’s Super Rugby franchises, especially as the Melbourne Rebels have gone into voluntary administration.
Photo: EPA/Dan Himbrechts/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
