The Australian Rugby Union has "adopted a new independent governance model" after voting for constitutional change Monday, according to the AAP. Following the paths taken by the Australian Football League and National Rugby League, an independent board of directors will be "appointed as part of recommendations" being implemented from the review of the sport by former federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib. A four-member independent nominations committee "will be established in the coming months to recommend new directors for election." Existing directors will finish out their terms before moving on, "but will have the right to be considered again as independent nominees." The new system "will give voice" to Super Rugby franchises and distribute votes more evenly across states, territories and also to the Rugby Union Players' Association. Voting numbers have increased from 14 to 16 and each state and territory has the "opportunity to secure an additional vote" if they join New South Wales and Queensland in passing 50,000 registered players in their region (AAP, 12/11).
