A "trip west to mend scorched bridges is at the top of the to-do list" for Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle, but she warned "she expected all parties to move on from the turbulent events that dogged the sport last year," according to Georgina Robinson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The former National Rugby League side Canterbury Bulldogs and Netball New Zealand exec "will kick off her stewardship" of Rugby Australia with a tour of all states and unions and plans to spend "at least two days in Perth to repair relations" between the national body and Rugby WA after the Western Force was axed from Super Rugby. Castle said that she was "serious about rebuilding a relationship with the rugby community in Western Australia" but also signaled her "expectation that the slate be wiped clean in order for that to happen." She added, "It won't just be a pat on the shoulder, it will be a genuine engagement, for me that's important. We have a state over there that has produced and continues to produce some good rugby talent and we need to make sure we find a way to engage with them" (SMH, 1/16).
ALL EARS: In Sydney, Jamie Pandaram reported Castle "vowed to keep her opinions to herself" for the first two months of her tenure in charge of Rugby Australia as she navigates the "tumultuous political landscape." She is "well aware that states are battling the governing body over various issues," but said that she will "abide by her principle to enter every new job with an open mind and ears." Castle: "I have a philosophy when I start a new job; you should listen for the first six weeks and not have an opinion on anything, and then you think you might be ready, listen for another two weeks. That's hard when you come into a role like this because people are looking for you to have a view and opinions on things, but I’ll certainly be doing a lot more listening than talking over the next six or eight weeks" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 1/15).
PEACE TALKS: In Sydney, Daniela Intili reported while Castle is working toward "restoring peace" with the West Australian rugby community and mining magnate Andrew Forrest, her "immediate focus will be a meeting with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on Tuesday." Castle said, "At this stage, it's getting to know one another. The relationship between the CEO and coach is incredibly important and it's about making sure we find an engagement that works really well that we can help each other and work closely together." Australia's worst-ever defeat to Scotland last November "saw the Wallabies slide to fourth in the world rankings." However, Castle said that she "believed the national side still had a strong brand." Castle: "The Wallabies need to perform, there's no doubt about that. For him [Cheika] it's important not only that the Wallabies are successful but the building blocks underneath are crucial, so that we continue to produce quality athletes" (ABC NEWS, 1/15).
