administrator

NSWRU chairman Mr Arvid Petersen says NSW Rugby will support Queensland’s nominations announced today for the ARU Board.

Mr Petersen says he’s spoken to QRU chairman Mr Peter Lewis and both agree that the new ARU Board should be finalised without delay.

“I’ve had extremely positive discussions with my Queensland counterpart and I’ve stated that we have no problem in supporting their new nominations in Rod McCall and Peter Cosgrove,” said Mr Petersen.

“The AGM should be completed as soon as possible now that Queensland have their nominations in place.

“There is now no valid reason to delay proceedings until May 10, a day before the ARU CEO steps down.

“This is not the time for the game to be without strong leadership.

“We should reassemble as soon as possible to get Rugby back on track. Every day counts.”

Mr Petersen said he has a strong personal view on who should take over as Managing Director of the Australian Rugby Union.

“I personally believe that we cannot waste anymore time and I’ll be encouraging John O’Neill to return to the ARU,” added Mr Petersen.

“I want to state clearly on the record, that in my opinion, John O’Neill is the one administrator who can get our game back on its feet again and he has the record to prove it.

“Agendas and lingering grudges have to be put aside for the good of the game and that means getting on with the job and appointing a strong leadership team from the Board down.”