About Us

The Rugby Australia Board consists of up to nine Directors, six of whom are elected by Rugby Australia’s Voting Members to serve 3-year terms, and up to two Directors appointed by the Board plus the Managing Director. Each director (other than the Managing Director) may serve a maximum nine-year term except that the Chair may serve additional 1-year terms up to a maximum 12-year term. The composition of the Board is currently transitioning to reflect amendments to Rugby Australia's Constitution adopted on 22 April 2026, with the transition to be completed by 30 June 2026.

The Rugby Australia Nominations Committee plays a crucial role in identifying and nominating highly qualified candidates to serve on the Rugby Australia Board of Directors as vacancies arise.

Guided by the Nominations Committee Charter, Rugby Australia's Constitution and Sport Governance Principle 4, the Nominations Committee is tasked with upholding the organisation’s commitment to good governance and its core values in prioritising those candidates who demonstrate strong leadership and governance skills from a range of backgrounds to ensure that a diverse and appropriate skill-set exists within the Rugby Australia Board to facilitate more considered decision-making at all times. Prospective candidates are sourced from nominations from Rugby Australia’s Voting Members (Members Unions, Super Rugby Clubs and RUPA) and by the Nominations Committee, often working in conjunction with an external specialist recruitment firm.

The Nominations Committee consists of 4 members: one non-executive director of Rugby Australia appointed by the Board (currently Dr Jane Wilson AO, who was appointed Chair of the Nominations Committee on 11 May 2026); one independent member appointed by the Board (currently Ann Sherry AO); and two independent members elected by a two-thirds majority of votes cast by Voting Members (currently The Hon. John Sharp AM and Tony Howarth AO). Each of the three independent members may serve a maximum term of 8 years, comprising an initial 4-year term followed by a second term of up to 4 years subject to re-appointment by the Board (in the case of the Board-appointed independent member) or re-election by Voting Members (in the case of the two elected independent members).

For further information on nominating as a Director of Rugby Australia, please contact company.secretary@rugby.com.au.