Rugby Australia has today announced Phil Waugh as its newest Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Waugh becomes the first Wallaby to occupy the role, having earned 79 caps for the national side as Wallaby Number 766.
Since he concluded his professional career with the Waratahs in 2011, Waugh has gone on to build extensive executive and governance experience.
He has been a Non-Executive Director on the Rugby Australia board since July 2018, and he has most recently been an Executive, Broker Distribution at National Australia Bank.
Waugh spent four years at Westpac, where he rose to become Head of Private Wealth for Westpac and St George (NSW, QLD and ACT) and led the response to COVID-19 for Westpac’s Business Bank. He also spent more than five years at Commonwealth Bank, rising to the position of Head of Asset Finance.
Waugh’s Board and governance experience has seen him hold multiple Non-Executive Directorship positions within the hospitality, finance and sporting industries. Most notable was Phil’s appointment as a Trustee of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust in 2013.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said the board were impressed with Waugh’s vision for the game, his experience across a range of sectors, and his in-depth understanding of Australian Rugby.
“The Rugby Australia Board unanimously endorsed Phil’s selection as the new CEO of Rugby Australia,” said McLennan.
“’Waughy’ has proven himself on and off the field as a true believer in the potential of where the global game of Rugby can take you.
“Phil has exacting standards which will deliver us improved pathways and success as we prepare for the Golden Decade of Rugby ahead for our men, women, boys and girls.
“We are on a mission and Phil will make sure we get there.”
Waugh’s illustrious playing career began with the Narrabeen Tigers on Sydney’s northern beaches, before he went on to play First XV in his final three years at Shore school, and going on to play for Australian Schoolboys in 1996 and 1997.
The openside flanker played for the Australian Under-19s and Under-21s, and made his debut for the NSW Waratahs as a 19 year-old in 1999. He went on to play 136 caps for the Waratahs and retired in 2011 as the club’s most capped player and captain.
Waugh played at two Rugby World Cups for the Wallabies (2003 and 2007), was the John Eales Medallist in 2003, and became the Wallabies’ 74th Test captain in 2006.
A Warringah Rats junior, Waugh spent his Club Rugby days at Sydney University.
Rugby Australia’s incoming CEO Phil Waugh is invigorated by the opportunities that lie ahead for the game in Australia.
“Being appointed as Rugby Australia’s CEO is an absolute honour and privilege,” said Phil Waugh.
“Above all, the role comes with enormous responsibility to ensure our great game thrives throughout communities across Australia.
“There is definitely a buzz around the game regarding our upcoming Golden Decade, and I intend to work with the team at RA and our many stakeholders to maximise this period and secure financial sustainability.
“Our priority will be to develop the game from the grassroots to the elite level – both in Australia, and with our partners across the Pacific.
“We need to align our professional pathways, and work as one team from club to country, with the goal of being the best and most successful men’s and women’s Rugby systems in the world.
"I started Rugby as a four year-old at the Narrabeen Tigers on Sydney’s northern beaches and my involvement with the game stretches almost four decades.
“I was lucky to represent my state and my country throughout my career, however I know that Rugby starts and ends in our communities, at our local rugby clubs - to drive the game forward, we must place more emphasis than ever before on engaging and connecting with all areas of our broader Rugby community.
“The passion and commitment within the Australian sporting landscape is unparalleled around the globe, and I look forward to working with my peers within other sports to increase engagement between young people and sport.
“Having put my heart and soul into the game on the field in my playing days, I intend to put the same level of passion and commitment into the game as Rugby Australia CEO.”
Phil Waugh will commence his new role as Rugby Australia CEO on 6 July.
