Australia rugby manager Phil Waugh has said the Wallabies' disastrous World Cup campaign included an “unauthorized” $2.6 million (R32.2 million) in overspending on staff travel and player allowances. revealed.
The surprising revelation comes on the same day that Rugby Australia released a document outlining 23 recommendations after a dreadful 2023 for the Wallabies.
Australia won just two Tests in 2023 under Eddie Jones, against Georgia and Portugal, despite investing heavily to allow Jones to bring in coaching staff on short-term contracts. For the first time ever, they were eliminated in the pool stage of a World Cup.
“The over-investment that was not approved was $2.6 million and covered three key elements: team expenses, staff travel costs and player allowances,” RA chief executive and former Wallabies side Waugh said. He told reporters in Sydney.
“A lot of that came after the World Cup. When you talk about the unique circumstances and unique timing of being in a World Cup, you want to set your team up for success. In fact, our revenue… 86% of that comes from Australian Rugby's Men's XV program, and a successful World Cup campaign is essential to that.
“I think there was some generosity in the hope that we would be successful at the World Cup and make it to the tournament. Obviously that didn't happen. The circumstances were very unique.”
Jones was ultimately released just 10 months into his five-year contract with RA, resigning in October to take up a role with the Japan national team, with team manager Chris Webb and chairman Hamish McLennan also leaving the organization. left.
Mr Waugh was examined as to how the overspending occurred and whether Mr Webb was responsible.
“Devolution is important. There were clearly violations in that area and we made personnel changes based on some of those violations,” Waugh said.
“I'm not trying to point fingers at any particular individual. I think it was a cultural flaw that we needed to fix.”
News of overspending is unlikely to bode well for Australia's Super Rugby franchise, especially with the Melbourne Rebels now in voluntary administration.
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