Rugby Australia is seeking a fresh start following the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign, as an independent review on Thursday presented 23 recommendations for improvements in the Wallabies setup. Australia, twice champions, experienced their worst-ever World Cup performance last year, crashing out in the pool stage. The review, conducted by former Wallabies Justin Harrison and Andrew Slack, along with high-performance specialist Darlene Harrison and Pasifika advisor Moana Leilua, involved insights from 94 participants.
Last year’s World Cup exit and a meager two victories in nine tests during coach Eddie Jones’s brief second reign prompted the independent review. Chief executive Phil Waugh stated that Rugby Australia has already initiated structural changes under the new high-performance director, Peter Horne, aligning with many of the recommendations.
Waugh acknowledged the unique challenges faced in the 2023 season and emphasized the importance of obtaining a detailed and honest evaluation from stakeholders, especially the players. The aim is to process the setbacks of the 2023 season and utilize the insights to build a more robust Wallabies program.
While Eddie Jones has since resigned and returned to coaching Japan, the review panel refrained from directly passing judgment on his tenure. However, certain recommendations addressed perceived shortcomings in Jones’s leadership. Criticism was directed at Jones for the lack of transparency in the team selection process, especially in informing long-serving Wallabies that they did not make the World Cup squad.
The review also called for a reset in the formal player leadership structure of the Wallabies, emphasizing stability in the captaincy. Concerns were raised about Jones’s hiring of rugby league and Australian Rules coaches as assistants and the use of coaches outside their areas of expertise.
Phil Waugh expressed confidence in the review’s ability to draw a line in the sand and drive the implementation of processes and structures essential for the Wallabies’ successful future. The recommendations aim to address the challenges faced by the team and pave the way for a revitalized and competitive Wallabies program.
