Raelene Castle set to face axe from Rugby Australia role - Reports

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle will face the challenge to retain her place in the board according to media reports.

According to Sydney's Daily Telegraph, the top officials of the Australian board were unhappy with the progress shown by RA since the arrival of Castle with the board reporting a loss of near A$10 million loss. The loss could mount to A$120 million this year if they do not play any more game following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Castle had earlier told she had taken a 50 per cent cut in salary due to the financial loss created by the pandemic coronavirus while 75 per cent of the staff will be without salary for three months which sparked criticism.

A statement released by RA indicated that they will be meeting the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) to discuss the issue on the weekend.

“Rugby Australia is continuing its negotiations with the RUPA in good faith regarding a short term pay deal with players,” it read.

“These negotiations have unfortunately been brought about as a result of the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 health and now economic crisis, the circumstances of which have decimated global sport and business at all levels.

“Rugby Australia today provided RUPA with the specific financial information requested that is directly related to the current financial situation facing the game as a result of this global pandemic.

“Following further discussions over the past 24 hours, Rugby Australia believes the financial information it has provided today allows RUPA to accurately advise the players on these negotiations.

“Rugby Australia has and will continue to act in the best interests of all its members, including players, for the greater good of the game. It has made significant cuts across the game, with cost savings of over 75% as a result of the announcements made earlier in the week on changes to its workforce".