The Australian Rugby Union "could make a move to steady the ACT Brumbies ship by parachuting in former Australian Federal Police detective Phil Thomson as an interim leader," according to Chris Dutton of THE AGE. The Brumbies board is "expected to meet this week to further discuss plans" to permanently replace former CEO Michael Jones and "detail how the club will cope through the recruitment process." Jones and the board "agreed to part ways last week after an ugly off-field battle that led to some fractures in the organisation." The back-room dealings "are still being smoothed over," and it is believed the ARU is "keen for Thomson, who leads the ARU's integrity unit, to take charge as a calming influence." GM of Community Rugby Craig Leseberg was appointed as the interim Brumbies boss by the board after Chair Robert Kennedy "met with the club's senior executives last week." But Thomson is "one option available and has been floated as an external person to step in as the Brumbies also attempt to re-sign coach Stephen Larkham," plan for '17 revenue and recruit and retain players. The process to find Jones' successor "could take between three and six months while there is also the suggestion the ARU is looking to move towards a centralised Super Rugby model" (THE AGE, 5/8).
